Dieting And Children: The Mealtime Dilemma

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There are many different beliefs among humans on the best diets for our bodies.  Some suggest eating little and often.  Others claim a one day fast is what fits with our ancestors way of lives so is best for our genetics.  In some cultures fasting is part of their religious beliefs.  There are also weight loss diets such as the 5:2 which puts you on a very controlled calorie diet for two days then allows you to eat a healthy balanced diet for 5. Not to mention a rise in food allergies, perhaps you can’t tolerate lactose or gluten but, is it possible to give your kids the best start in life if your family are dieting for health, religious or weight loss and can you work mealtimes around it?

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The answer is yes, but as with all changes you want to make to any diet, it is also important to consult with a doctor before making drastic changes or setting on a path. Whilst convenience foods are looked upon as the devil by most health professionals, many doctors will advise not putting children on a dairy free diet unless you absolutely must.  If you still believe in removing milk, cheese and cream from your children’s daily consumption then get some advice on how to ensure they don’t become calcium deficient.  The same goes for Gluten free diets.  Is it possible to bring up your children on a wheat free diet without causing them any issues in later life?

People do often forget that a lot of foods are rich in calcium.  Kale, Broccoli, sardines, watercress and bok choy have very similar calcium content to raw milk so it is possible to boost certain vitamins and minerals via alternative sources.

When you are weaning a baby, one of the first types of food we go for are simple vegetables purees.  Carrots, sweet potato and spinach all are popular on most supermarket shelves but for those of you who made your own, you have already started your child on the basics of a clean eating diet check out some of the PaleoHacks recipes with sweet potato and see what your children think. Is this a healthy living diet you could fit around children and your family?  

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A diet rich in fish, vegetables and fresh produce isn’t really a fad diet.  So providing you are getting the right quantities of vitamins, minerals and nutrients into our kids, should it even matter if you choose to live by certain health kicks?  
As parents we have a responsibility to ensure the health of our children and whilst some may see anything other than a healthy balanced diet containing all modern food groups as a danger on growing bodies, others considering it a healthy way of life.  There is much to be said for a diet without human innovation or additives.  Although we would deeply reconsider any calorie restrictions for children and avoid fasting where possible.  Young bodies and minds don’t need to worry about sacrifice or weight.  They just need you to manage their health.  

*this is a collaborative post*
Posted in Family Life and Parenting and tagged healthy eating for families, when your child is a fussy eater.