A healthy diet is crucial for any growing child, but especially for a physically active one. Team sports, dancing and cheerleading require the child to draw on energy reserves. To replenish this energy supply and speed up muscle recovery, parents are advised to create a diet rich in berries. The best part is that meals incorporating delicious berries appeal to childrens taste buds while keeping them strong and energized.
So-Yummy Strawberries
For instance, most children love the juicy-grainy texture and tempting flavor of strawberries. The good news for parents is that these berries are also rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids, which strengthen the bodys immunity. In addition, they are infused with Vitamin K, B5 and B6, folic acid, potassium, manganese, riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, copper and magnesium! All in all, this low-calorie fruit helps protect children against illnesses and boosts up their energy levels. Encourage your child to eat whole
strawberries or add them to milkshakes or desserts. These super-foods are certain to enhance the nutritive value, taste and look of any meal.
Tempting Blueberries
Another vibrantly colored fruit that offers health benefits to children is the blueberry. Benefits of blueberries are that they are rich in Vitamins A, B complex, C and E as well as anthocyanin, iron, copper, zinc and selenium. These nutrients prevent colds, fevers and other illnesses caused by virus and bacteria.
Additional
benefits of blueberries include dissolving harmful cholesterol, reducing abdominal fat and enhancing digestion. Since todays children are very conscious about their body image, encourage them to eat blueberries to help weight loss. They are also perfect to clear constipation after a junk food-filled holiday or sleepover.
The antibiotic properties of blueberries curb the growth of bacteria, helping maintain healthy urinary tracts. Their vitamins and minerals are also proven to sharpen the memory and boost learning capacity. Also, their powerful natural anti-depressants hold great value for todays children, who are growing up in an increasingly competitive and stressful environment. An additional exciting fact to encourage children to indulge in blueberries is that they enhance night vision!
Berry nutrition can be easily added to a childs diet with little planning. Start your childs day with a power breakfast of peanut butter and sliced strawberries on wheat bread. Or blend a combination of berries into yoghurts and smoothies. A lip-smacking snack containing berries may be served a couple of hours before or after an important performance. Use your imagination to create favorite snacks which are healthy and delicious all at once. To start you off, we have included a few interesting, easy-to-make snack ideas here: http://www.driscolls.com/healthy/healthy-kids-fitness.php.
