Choosing a healthy food idea for the younger children are not just easy as it seems because the food they eat determines not only their growth but also brain development, immunity and health. Every parent should always aspire to provide the right food for their children at the right time and quantity.
In Nigeria, identifying the ideal for food children may not be difficult because of the lot varieties of healthy traditional and modern foods available. Incase it is expensive to get the modern kind of food, you don't worry in Nigeria as there is always a traditional matching substitute.
Getting children eat healthy foods is not easy due to the fact that all children just want to eat something sweet. They don't care about the nutritional content.
List of Healthy Foods for Nigerian Children
To put up this list, we carefully selected the following foods and bet you will like them and your children will enjoy it too;
Jellof Rice with Veggie Twist
Nigerian Jellof rice has proven to the favourite meal of every Nigerian child, adding extra veggies like carrots, green beans, peas and bell pepper will boost its nutrional value and also make it so appealing to eat. Using brown rice can also increase the nutrient and fibre present which will provide enough energy for the child's daily activities.
Plantain and Grilled Fish
We all know that fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which is needed by children for brain functions and development. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may be able to improve learning/ memory in humans and even boost IQ by measures by more than 3.5 points.
On the other hand, the plantain improves the taste of the food which will make the kids eager to eat. Plantain I also packed with vitamins, vitamin A helps strengthen the babies eyesight, vitamin B, to help them turn food into energy and grow their tissues and cells. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron and also build strong immunity.
Fried Rice and Chicken
Another easy going food for Nigerian kids is the Nigerian fried rice with less vegetables especially for kids that don't fancy much vegetables in their food. Some kids may not like many of the vegetables like runner beans when it's not properly cooked, peas and even the bell pepper. The chicken will definitely make the eat enough of it, off course you can add fruits such as cucumber to improve the nutritional content.
Nigerian fried rice with chicken is a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. So be rest assured that your children are consuming the right diet.
Fruits Salad
A complete and properly made fruits salad is always children's delight. Combine a variety of seasonal fruits such as watermelon, apples, pineapples, bananas, cucumber and sometimes groundnut. And dress them with yogurts or milk, honey and a hint of refreshing dessert.
Fruits salad may be low in carbohydrates but it can be so filling and can take your children for a long period of time because of the plenty water content of some of the Fruits.
Spaghetti/ Macaroni with Stew or Sauce
Many children are involved with pasta, especially when served with garnished stew or sauce. Spaghetti and macaroni are energy dense as they are made from grain. They contain about 200 calories per cup, and it is a low fat food which is recommended for as a heart-healthy food.
Whether you serve it with tomato stew or sauce, it would always complement the nutritional content of spaghetti, as the stew or sauce would contain enough proteins ( from meat or fish), vitamins and minerals.
Moi-moi with Veggie Blend
Moi moi, a Nigerian delicacy made from steamed beans can be enhanced in nutrient by adding finely chopped vegetables like green beans, carrots onions etc. The protein constituents and taste can also be boosted by adding fish, eggs or crayfish.
The moi moi can be enjoyed with pap or custard. It is advisable not serve children pap on days there need to be active because it may make them sleepy.
Yam Porridge Cooked with Spinach and Fish
Yam porridge prepared with Spinach and fish is not only delicious but also a power house of nutrients, which is recommended for children's healthy growth. Children loves to eat yam, and making it with plenty fish and veggies will make not to have another option than to enjoy it.
Richly prepared yam porridge are very nutritious because it is packed with enough proteins, energy, vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
After reading through this post, I don't think making the choice of healthy food ideas for children will be hard, as we have taken time to outline important foods packed with essential nutrients for your children's healthy growth. Introducing these diets not only provides them with nutrients but also exposes them to the rich and diverse Nigerian cuisine.
By carefully blending healthy traditional diets helps parents save cost and still nourish their children effectively.