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15 Best Healthy Foods for Kids
Parents face the challenge of feeding healthy food to their kids almost every single day. The temperament of kids varies, and they are more inclined to follow habits of their peers at home and school. The situation is worse for kids of working parents, as their diet mostly consists convenience or take away food. Besides, friends and tv commercials add to the temptations of having junk food.
How does Healthy Food Benefit Your Child?
To get brief information on the different foods groups and their benefits, consider the following healthy food chart for kids:
Nutritious Food Groups
Advantages
Bread, Cereals and Potatoes
These are starchy food, which includes rice and pasta. They provide energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Fruits and Vegetables
These are a good source of antioxidants and provide fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Milk and Dairy foods
These provide:
Calcium - for healthy bones and teeth
Protein - for growth
Vitamins and Minerals.
Meat, Fish and alternatives
These foods, including eggs and pulses, provide iron, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
List of Top 15 Healthy Foods for Kids
Here’s a list of the top 15 healthy foods, which you should consider including in your child’s diet.
1. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the development of the brain. You may get in whole or ground form. Research suggests that the ground form of flax seed is easier for the body to absorb. You may sprinkle the powdered flax seed onto cereals or batter of desserts. You can replace the 1/4th of the flour with this ground flax seed during the preparation of muffins, bread and pancakes to add a healthy boost to the baked goodies.
2. Tofu
Kids generally do not prefer tofu when served whole in certain dishes. But they ought to love it when served with a creamy base of smoothies or ice creams. Tofu is a good source of essential nutrients required in kids for their optimum growth and bone health. It is filled with B vitamins, protein, iron and calcium.
3. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are natural sweeteners and known to be one of the favourite healthy food for toddlers and babies. They tend to be given less preference as the kid starts getting older. You should continue to feed your kids this nutritious vegetable in a way that they are tempted to have it more. You can bake the sweet potato and serve it with toppings of vanilla-yoghurt or cinnamon-sugar. You may even coat it with applesauce or maple syrup.
4. Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains plenty of probiotics, commonly known as good bacteria. Yoghurt helps to keep the little stomachs happy as well as healthy. It is best to choose the low-fat yoghurt, rather than the sugary versions and scoop them up with a spoonful of honey or some fresh fruits. Often, yoghurts provide more calcium as compared to milk.
5. Hummus
Hummus can be a perfectly healthy dip or spread, as it is made from beans. It has proteins, complex carbs and fibre, which helps to keep your little one content and fuelled for the day. You can serve it as a dip with baby carrots or baked pita chips or substitute it for mayonnaise on sandwiches and wraps.
6. Salmon
Salmon is the best source for high-quality protein required for the proper growth of children. Besides, it has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the development of the brain and a healthy heart. A plus point about salmon is that it contains a natural flavour and requires minimal seasoning. So, you can bake or grill it for few minutes, and it is ready to be served.
7. Avocado
Avocado provides a plethora of monounsaturated fats, the ‘good’ fats, which young kids should consume in their everyday diet. Besides, ripe avocado is perfect baby food and can be given to the baby directly, removing the peel. A ripe avocado can be easily mashed with the fork. For young kids who develop food choices, you can make them eat it in the form of a spread on wraps or sandwiches, instead of the traditional mayonnaise or cream cheese. Mix the mashed avocado with a spoonful of lemon juice and salt, and your dip is ready.
8. Mango
Mangoes are generally in the good books of kids, and most of them love having it in all forms. It is a rich source of vitamin C and fibre and highly beneficial for the kids as it strengthens their immunity and helps to keep their gums and teeth healthy. To add to the list of fun and nutritional delicacies for your kids, you can also serve mango in the form of smoothie or pudding.
9. Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein and DHA, which helps in the development of the child’s brain.
10. Berries
Berries contain high amounts of vitamins and antioxidants, which are beneficial to the child for his overall health.
11. Legumes
Legumes are one of the best sources of protein and are full of fibre, and they aid in digestion. These include beans, black-eyed peas and chickpeas.
12. Whole Grains
Whole grains are a plethora of nutrients that include fibre, protein, B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These are beneficial in reducing the risks of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes. Besides, it helps in improving overall digestion and lowers the cholesterol.
13. Milk
Milk benefits your child with a rich dose of calcium required for his strong bones and teeth. Besides, Vitamin D contained in milk helps to absorb the calcium.
14. Ragi
Ragi is a filled with of calcium and beneficial for growing children. You can easily substitute it for chocolate cookies as it turns brown on being roasted, thus bringing a smile on the kid’s face.
15. Oats
Oats are rich in fibre and antioxidants and benefits your kid with a steady stream of energy for the day. Moreover, it is easy to digest and enhances the immune system of the child.
How to Encourage Healthy Eating Habits in Children?
Consider the below points to inculcate healthy eating habits in your child.
Cook More Meals at Home: Make it a point to cook healthy Indian food for your kid, rather than opting for takeaway food from hotels. Many of the food items that you have outside contain an uncertain amount of oil and fat, which can be detrimental to your kid. The dishes you prepare at home are healthiest for your growing child and will help to keep him hale and hearty.
Get Kids Involved: Kids often love to help you out in the kitchen, and you get to spend more quality time together. Look for easy-to-make recipes, which your kid can help you with. Here’s a way to keep them engaged and educate them about healthy recipes at the same time.
Focus on an Overall Diet: Apart from focusing on some specific food ingredients, it is advisable that you add more of wholesome food and less of processed or packaged food to your child's diet. Processed and packaged food are unhealthy options for the child, as they contain excess sugar and fat content.
Disguise The Taste of Healthier Food: Often, kids do not find the healthy food to be a tasty one. To get him munching the healthy bite, you need to merge the taste with some delicious recipe or add as an add-on to sandwiches or wraps.
Make Healthy Snacks: Keep an adequate amount of fruits, vegetables, and healthy beverages like milk, fresh fruit juice handy, to replace the soda, chips and cookies.
Limit Portion Sizes: You should guide your child to eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they feel full. Avoid enforcing the ‘clean plate’ rule and using food as a reward, as it can negatively affect your child’s eating habits and judging capacity.
Be a Role Model: Children are born with the impulse to imitate, it's a part of their development. Hence, choose a healthy diet yourself and be careful what example you set, for your child will be following your manners.
Frozen Fruit Treats instead of Ice-Cream: Put the ingredients in a blender, pour it into a mould, add sticks and freeze.
Healthier Junk Food Alternatives for Children
Here’s a healthy food chart for kids, listing some of the ideas, to help you present a healthy option to your child.
Junk Food
Alternatives
French Fries
‘Baked fries’ grilled in the oven
Ice cream
Yoghurt, sorbet or fresh fruit smoothies
Fried Chicken
Baked or grilled chicken
Doughnuts or Pastries
English muffins, bagels, home baked items with less sugar
Chocolate-chip cookies
Fig bars, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, fruit and caramel dip
Potato chips
Baked vegetable chips, nuts
Children should be fed adequate nutrition for their optimum growth and development of their body. They require regular intake of food enriched with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients required by the body. Avoid feeding them processed, and packaged foods or snacks as these contain excess sugars, which can lead to weakening their immune system and adversely affect their health in the long run. As a parent, you need to introduce them to healthy food ingredients in ways that they love and get habituated with the healthy foods.
Also Read:
Iron Rich Foods for Your Child
Best Foods that Contain Calcium for Kids
Foods that are Good for Brain Development in Kids
Weight Gain Foods for Your Kids Read more
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Roseola(SIXTH Disease) In Babies
Roseola, or sixth disease as it is also known, is a highly infectious disease that affects many babies at some point in time or the other. This disease has been known to affect adults as well, though the number of reported cases is lower. It is common in babies and is generally mild and easily treatable.
This infection usually lasts anywhere between 3 to 5 days. The most common signs include a well-spread reddish rash, generally all over the body, as well as high fever.
What is Roseola?
As discussed above, sixth disease or roseola is a highly infectious disease that's commonly found in babies anywhere between the age group of 9 months up to 5 years. This infectious, though mild disease, stems from the same virus as herpes. The type is generally Human Herpes Virus 6 or Human Herpes Virus 7.
The most common ways in which roseola can be contracted in infants is either through the mother during pregnancy or through the saliva of the infant. The presence of roseola is confirmed either by symptoms such as high fever and rashes or sometimes through blood tests.
What Causes Roseola In Babies And Toddlers?
In most cases, roseola is caused by the Human Herpes Virus 6. Another virus that has been known to cause roseola is Human Herpes Virus 7. These are also collectively known as roseolovirus.
As mentioned earlier, this infection is mostly mild but highly infectious in most cases. The most common cause of roseola is exposure to the virus already present in the areas where the babies stay or play.
Saliva or respiratory secretions are usually responsible for the contraction of this virus in infants. As roseola spreads mostly through personal contact, chewing on the same toy by both a healthy baby and a baby already infected can spread this virus.
There is no particular time of the year in which this virus occurs. It can occur at any time.
In some cases, the contraction of roseola may show only as a fever as opposed to fever and rashes. Mothers need to be careful, especially if the baby has been exposed to another child with roseola.
What are the Symptoms of Roseola?
1. Fever
The most common symptoms of roseola in babies are fever and pinkish or reddish rashes. Roseola generally lasts for anywhere between 3 to 5 days. The first sign is usually a high fever (often up to 103 F) that is sudden and generally weakening.
2. Rash
The aftermath of this sudden high fever is the infamous rash that can appear throughout the body or in certain areas. The rash, red or pink in colour, may take time to subside. Commonly, the onset of the rash is seen on the chest that steadily progresses to the child's abdomen and back, and finally to the arms and neck.
3. No Visible Symptoms
In many cases reported, symptoms of roseola have been seen to be absolutely different. When it's said different, it generally means absent! Fever and roseola rash, the common symptoms determining this infection, may sometimes not show at all, making it harder to diagnose the disease.
4. Cold and Diarrhoea
Be on the lookout for roseola if your baby has been exposed to the germs contained in another child. The other tell-tale signs, in case the high fever or rash do not manifest, include a runny nose, sore throat, increased irritation in kids, cough, swollen lymph nodes, lack of appetite, and a mild case of diarrhoea.
5. Seizures
In worst case scenarios, your infected child can have fever fits or, as medically known, febrile seizures. Seek medical help immediately if roseola reaches this level of severity.
Risk Factors For Roseola
Roseola is most commonly contracted by older infants as the immune system is generally weaker. Since these infants have not had time to develop and strengthen their antibodies completely, there is always a risk exposure to this virus will manifest into the disease. Younger infants may have less chance to contract the same owing to the antibodies that the mother creates in the uterus, protecting from several viruses.
As this virus can also be contracted by infants from their mothers during pregnancy, mothers may want to protect themselves and their infants by being more careful to the kind of environment they expose themselves to.
Diagnosis of Roseola
As has been discussed before, the common diagnosis of roseola is through high fever that spikes suddenly, usually accompanied by sore throat, cough, runny nose, and other signs that can be seen at the onset of any childhood disease.
The red or pink rash that follows the high fever, which manifests in some cases even without the fever, is another way in which roseola is diagnosed.
Since roseola can be contracted even with the absence of the above signs, doctors sometime resort to blood tests to diagnose if your baby has contracted roseola.
Complications of Roseola
Though roseola is generally a mild infection, a baby may have fever fits or febrile seizures in serious cases.
Your baby may also lose consciousness, lose control of bowel movement for some time, and display other usual signs of seizures.
Though such seizures are generally not life-threatening, medical help must be sought at once.
Roseola can have quite an adverse effect on the immune system. You must ensure to build a stronger immune system for your baby through a balanced diet in case he has been infected by roseola.
What are the available treatments for Roseola?
Like most other viruses, roseola has no hard and fast medication that can heal the disease after a course.
Medication can, however, be found in the form of antibiotics for the fever, generally found over the counter, such as acetaminophen. It is best to seek a doctor's advice before giving any medication.
For babies with a bad dose of roseola, doctors may prescribe ganciclovir as it helps build a stronger immune system.
Home Remedies for Roseola
Since there is no specific way in which babies with roseola can be treated, it is best for the disease to subside on its own.
Nevertheless, since your baby will most certainly be cranky and weak with the symptoms, it is up to you to make the baby as comfortable as possible.
For starters, ensure that your baby is kept in clean and dry quarters.
Plenty of rest, plenty of fluids and plenty of affection can indeed make it easier for your baby to recover.
If your baby contracts roseola in summer, you can give him sponge baths with warm water. This will help keep the baby cool.
How Long Does Roseola Rash Last?
Though there is no fixed time till when the rash lasts, mothers can expect the rash to subside within 7 to 10 days. Of course, the sensitivity of the skin, as well as the usual level of treatment, determines the course of how long the rash lasts.
Is Roseola Contagious?
Yes. Roseola may or may not to be harmful, but this is a highly contagious disease. The common ways the disease can be contracted include exposure to contaminated surfaces, skin to skin contact, saliva, as well as respiratory secretions.
What is the Incubation Period?
The incubation period for roseola generally varies from baby to baby. Nevertheless, most studies show that roseola infantum incubation period can last up to 14 days in worst cases, while mild cases can last anywhere from 5 to 7 days.
How Can Roseola Infantum be Prevented?
Roseola is one of those rare diseases that can neither be cured with set medication nor does it have any form of vaccination that can help prevent the contraction of the virus. Nevertheless, basic precaution may go a long way to avoid the virus.
For one, ensure that your baby is not exposed to children already suffering from roseola. In case your baby has contracted the virus, keep them away from harsh environmental conditions as it might damage the immunity further. Practising healthy habits for the entire household can help curtail the virus.
When To Call The Doctor
Calling a doctor at the earliest sign of roseola infection is always a good option. Watch out for the onset of the following signs:
Fever: High and sudden temperatures are an alert
Rash: Smooth or raised, reddish or pinkish in colour
Other symptoms: Runny noses, febrile seizures, loss of appetite, increased irritation, loss of energy, etc.
Conclusion
A common ailment among children, roseola does not normally pose a serious risk. However, it is important to monitor the child carefully, and seek a doctor’s opinion if the symptoms intensify. Read more
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zufeshan anjum
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How to Firm Up Saggy Breasts With Simple Remedies
Well, how many of you are embarrassed by saggy breasts? A woman may have a perfect body but if her perfectly shaped breasts become saggy, then it makes her very much concerned.
A noticeable change of appearance is not acceptable to her. Many of the remedies and exercises are crowding the Internet, but many of these women are not trying those, and those who have tried are not getting desired results. It doesn't mean that the remedies are not effective. Those might have benefitted many other women.
Before trying any remedies, please be sure to be consistent and dedicated.
Causes of Saggy Breasts
Gravity: While it pulls your breasts down, it stretches your breasts' ligaments
Size of Breasts: The big size of breasts is affected more due to gravity.
Weight Loss or Gain: Sudden gain or loss of weight affects the breast shape.
Smoking: Smokers are most likely to have saggy breasts.
Genetics: The saggy shape of breasts can be due to genes.
Excercise: Excercise or a lot of body movements which further causes more breasts movements. It can lead to the extra strain and stretching of breasts and makes them saggy. A good quality bra should be worn to give breasts support while doing any exercise.
Pregnancies: The more the pregnancies experienced, the more it would cause breasts to sag.
Aging: Aging is a normal and common cause of changes in breasts especially after menopause.
Remedies
Stop Smoking: Women who indulge in smoking should quit this habit to avoid sagginess and other dangerous health issues.
Bodyweight During Pregnancy: Keep track of your body weight because the fat gained by the body would make breasts sag.
Supportive Nursing Bra: Wear a supportive nursing bra during breastfeeding months.
Exercises: Exercises like push-ups, chest presses, and butterfly curls can help, but make sure to wear a good sports bra that holds the breasts up.
Right Bra: Choose the bra which can hold breasts up and is well-fitting. Underwire or ring bras and sports padded bras are good options.
Drink More Water: Drink water to keep the body hydrated and to maintain skin elasticity.
Good Posture: While sitting, maintain a good straight body posture. It naturally uplifts the breasts.
Ice Massage: Using ice can make you cold, but massaging the breasts with ice wrapped in a thin cloth can cure skin elasticity.
Breast Tightening Oils: Breast tightening oils can also give good results.
Aloe Vera and Ginger Juice: Mix these two ingredients in equal quantities and massage the breasts before a bath or sleeping. This works wonders.
Swimming Laps: Only 10-15 minutes of swimming would help you get in better shape.
Egg Yolk and Cucumber Juice: This mixture should be applied for 30 minutes before washing it off.
Diet: A balanced diet must be followed in which a complete set of nutrients, proteins, calcium, and minerals are available.
So, correcting breast shape isn't a big issue. With some changes in our diet and daily life, gaining perfect breast shape is possible.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/he
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Don't Leave the Steering Wheel of Your Life in Someone Else's Hands
Don't leave the steering...
We live in a society where everyone is interested in other people's lives and want to give their valuable advice to others whether it is needed or not. More than that, there are people who want to control the lives of others. They are so dominating and interfering that they manipulate you, put a lot of pressure, making you fail to even think and understand what's going on. These kinds of toxic people could be so dangerous for you, your relationships, your family, and your mental health. Especially because somehow they make you feel like you are always wrong, you don't know how to make decisions, manage things, raise your kids, treat your husband, maintain your relationships, etc. They make you believe that you don't have any good qualities in you and you should listen to them, or else you will mess up everything if you make any decision or deal with any affair. They actually attack your self-confidence and self-esteem somewhere, to make you unsure about yourself. And when you spend so much time with such people around, you start to believe that way. You know that they are not your well-wishers or friends, but you are scared to go against their word. Because you are scared of failure or are worried about what if it doesn't work, then they would laugh at you, and you would prove them right if you fail. It happens, it's a cycle of thoughts. To get out of it, you need to break this cycle by taking a step forward. Let's see how to deal with this situation and such kinds of people:
1. Start looking and thinking
First of all, you need to address your mental state. When you start looking at yourself and the things around you, start to find out where the problem is. And mostly it's just that you can't do something because you didn't try to do that ever. So start looking and thinking about the things that matter for you and which you need to take control of.
2. Confidence
Whatever the matter is, confidence is the key. Start telling yourself, "I can do it". You become what you believe. Be confident, trust yourself and be sure about each and every step of yours. When you stand up filled with self-belief, half of your job is done.
3. Start taking responsibility
Most of the time, it's just that we don't accept the responsibility of a decision, we have an unknown fear of being responsible for something that doesn't go well. Fight that fear, leave that behind and tell yourself that it's okay if something doesn't work. You're not the first one to fail or make an inappropriate decision. There are people who fail and they learn from their failures. If something goes wrong, it's not the end of the world. When you leave that fear, you start living and enjoying your decisions.
4. Be clear
If you want to take that steering back, you need to be clear, with no confusion, no doubts, and no misunderstandings. Make up your mind and other people's minds very clear about it. You need to tell them that you are in an active mode, you are all there to take control of the situation and ready to take responsibility for the consequences. Sometimes, that energy and force need to be shown, to make them understand your intentions. Just come forward then and there right at the moment of decision making and present yourself firmly at that time.
You are the only one who has control over your personal life, your decisions, your likes and dislikes, people around you somehow affect that. But you should learn to take control in your hands, and learn to hold the steering yourself. Otherwise, they will lead you to the roads you never wanted to be on...
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Manali K Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
31 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Hello 👋 mam am khushi from j&k actually mam mujhe 28th April ko 8th month (3rd trimester) lga but mujhe bhut jaada vaginal itching hai 24 hrs hoti rehti hai mena V wash use kia but koi farak ni hai please suggest kro kush mujhe
Read moreManali K Mehta
Mom of 2 children
30 mins ago
A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist because physical examination is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
please maintain hygiene properly with Babyhug instant sanitizer
Manali K Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
25 mins ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hua white discharge normal h hona
Manali K Mehta
Mom of 2 children
24 mins ago
A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist because physical examination is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
please maintain hygiene properly with Babyhug instant sanitizer
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
23 mins ago
Q. My baby is 2 months old now. She is suffering with very bad constipation. for a week she is not passing stool.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
21 mins ago
A. That’s completely only not worry about it even if your child doesn’t part with motion for another total 10 days basically then also it wouldn’t be a problem still if you see the child is discounted then in that case you should consult your doctor for some laxative
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 2 months
21 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Sudden Back ache and abdominal side aches.. 8 th month first week.. What to do
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
10 mins ago
A. hi
you must visit your gynecologist
it is important
please don't sit or stand for long period
take support while sitting and place pillow between your legs while sleeping
prefer to sleep on your left side
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
15 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert .
hai mam , my wife 8 month 2days pregnancy, she have more leg pain'
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 mins ago
A. Sometimes leg pain can be commonly seen but if it is increasing or your wife is also facing any kind of a discharge your stomach hardness or pain coming and going then it can sometimes be assigned for an early labour or could be a false labour so better to check with your gynaecologist
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
12 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Ma'am I am two months pregnant now....can I continue breastfeeding my 17 month old baby ?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 mins ago
A. No I’m afraid you’ll have to quit breastfeeding your child because it is not advisable to feed your child when you’re pregnant with the second child is not healthy for you neither for your coming child so you’ll have to skip and quit onto your breastfeeding
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