A goal of any parent is to teach their kid healthy food habits from an early age for a lifetime of benefits. From eating their vegetables to drinking milk, there are a number of food practices parents take as concrete. With so many myths on the market, we wanted to debunk a few of them for you. Some common rules are not actually very accurate!
Myth: Red Meat Prevents Anemia
Young children face a high risk of developing iron deficiency, so parents tend to turn to red meat. It is very possible for children, especially young toddlers, to find enough iron in other food sources. This is great for vegetarian families! Red meat provides iron in sufficient quantities, but it can also be found in fortified breads and cereals, eggs, lentil, beans, spinach, and dark meat poultry. Ideally, children should have a minimum of ten milligrams of iron daily. If they are not getting enough, you can talk to your pediatrician about multivitamins for iron supplement.
That being said, red meat is a timeless and important source of iron. Make sure to only purchase the best 100% grass-fed beef.
Myth: No Veggies Means No Vitamins or Minerals
All parents experience the struggle of forcing a feisty youngster to eat their veggies. Many children boycott vegetables altogether and manage just fine. This is because they find vitamins and minerals in other food sources. There are a number of vegetable alternatives that provide the same vitamins and minerals without committing the crime of being a vegetable.
For example, apricots and cantaloupe provide the same vitamin A and carotenoids as carrots. Oranges and strawberries are a good substitute for spinach in terms of folic acid. Bananas take the place of potatoes when it comes to potassium and citrus fruits sub for broccoli to cover vitamin C. Of course, you should continue to provide veggies, but if they fight you, there are other options.
Myth: Dairy Makes the Cold Worse
Another popular belief is that mucus production increases and nasal secretions thicken with the consumption of dairy products. The cold virus, not dairy, causes mucus and nasal secretion. Dairy does coat the throat, so it makes it feel like is aiding the cold. Children can still have dairy products with a minor cold.
Myth: Reduced Fat Intake Now Means No Obesity Later
Toddlers and babies are growing at a rapid pace and actually need about 40% of daily calories to come from fat. A developing brain needs fatty acids and other fat components to develop properly. This means children should be consuming certain fatty foods, like whole milk, to continue growing. Older children need fatty acids for proper growth, healthy skin, vitamin absorption, and production of sex hormones.
The fat in foods help kids feel full and satisfied. The full feeling prevents a child from overeating and causing issues later on. Instead, a child should learn to integrate all food types into their diet now so they continue to eat healthy later on.
Myth: Sugar Means Hyperactive
Parents dread the “sugar rush” that follows an overload of sweet and sugary foods. Surprisingly, the sugar rush is not always caused by sugar. Instead, certain foods, like chocolate or soda, has more caffeine than sugar. In most cases, caffeine presence is what drives the sugar rush and stimulation.
Myth: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
Caring for a sick child might lead to believing the myth that you should feed a cold and starve a fever. In reality, you never want to withhold food from a sick child. Nutrients and fluids will help fight the infection. Think about when you are sick: do you want someone telling you that you cannot have exactly what your body is asking for? Instead, provide Pedialiyte and juices to hydrate and strengthen your child.
Talk to a Doctor
At the end of the day, the best way to break down myths is to talk to a doctor. They can advise on best practices to keep your child happy, healthy, and full.
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