Junk food and fast food items should be avoided, as these are high in fat and sugar, and contain no nutritional value. There are several healthy snacks that can be offered to children to satisfy their cravings. Proper nutrition should begin with toddler and preschool age children. This begins the process of instilling in them healthy food choices that they will continue to practice as they grow older. As they reach childhood and adolescence nutritional needs increase, especially the need for the nutrients, calcium and iron.
Many parents nowadays are vegetarian and want their children to be vegetarian also.
It is important for them to meet the dietary needs of their children. This can be done by giving them adequate sources of calories and protein through foods such as dried fruit, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, and vegetables. Teaching children proper nutrition and healthy food choices is the key preventing a future generation afflicted with heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.