Preschool children are in a critical period of rapid physical growth, so parents should reduce their work and household burdens accordingly, focusing on planning healthy diets for their children. Whole grain foods are considered an ideal staple choice in many Western families due to their rich content of iron, various vitamins, magnesium, zinc, roughage, and other beneficial nutrients for children’s growth. Using whole wheat flour to make bread paired with children-specific cheese not only tastes delicious but also provides more nutrition. Despite diverse dietary cultures, ensuring children have a comprehensive and balanced nutrition is a universal principle.
At this stage, children start to develop certain self-care abilities and independent thinking. They show more autonomy in food choices and are eager to mimic adults. This period is a golden time to cultivate good eating habits in children. Parents should emphasize food diversity and balance, base meals on grains, combine with appropriate amounts of fish, poultry, eggs, lean meat, ensure daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, control salt and sugar intake, adhere to daily milk consumption, and moderate consumption of bean products. Regular three meals a day plus 1 to 2 snacks help children establish a stable eating rhythm, avoid eating while distracted, allow them to make food choices within a reasonable range to stimulate their interest in food.
Cultivating good dietary hygiene habits in children is essential, including regular and moderate meal times, hand washing before meals, rejecting unclean food, focusing on eating rather than eating while playing or watching TV, and avoiding vigorous exercise after meals. Parental supervision is indispensable to ensure a balanced dietary structure for children, focusing on fresh and diverse foods without additional reliance on nutritional supplements. It is especially important to note that during this period, children’s bones develop rapidly, and the intake of high-quality protein is crucial and can be met through meats, poultry, eggs, and beans, while avoiding excessive intake of fatty foods.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for children and should include eggs, milk, cereal foods (such as rice, bread), side dishes, jam, sesame paste, and other foods to ensure adequate calorie and protein intake. Given the high calcium requirements for children, parents should ensure their diets include sufficient sources of calcium such as bean products, seafood, meats, and animal liver. Additionally, encouraging children to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water is equally significant for promoting healthy growth.
