Nutritionally Dense Foods to Add to Your Child’s Diet

Ensuring your child has the best start to life with a healthy and varied diet is every parent’s responsibility. Sometimes it’s easier than others, but for the most part, your child should be able to get everything they need from the food and drink they consume.

Adding Nutrient Dense Food To Your Child’s Diet

To encourage proper growth and development in children of all ages, there are certain nutrients and vitamins they should be absorbing. To help you make sure they’re getting everything they need, we’re sharing six foods that are nutritionally dense that should be added to their diet.

If you’re concerned about your child’s vitamin intake, be sure to consult a GP. There are also kids vitamins with iron available in most supermarkets and chemists to help them take in all the good stuff in an easy, chewable sweet treat.

#1. Milk

Whether it’s dairy or a fortified alternative, milk is a great way to encourage bones and teeth to grow big and strong. Milk is an easy option to help your child get the calcium they need. And it’s not just calcium; vitamin D in milk helps the body to actually absorb the calcium, too – making it the perfect choice for those looking to build up their strength.

If your child doesn’t like milk, make it more fun by using a milkshake mixture!

#2. Hummus

Perfect for encouraging your child to take in more fiber, hummus can be paired with carrot and celery sticks for a quick afterschool snack. Made with garbanzo beans or chickpeas and olive oil, this simple dip has all the proteins and carbohydrates your child needs.

#3. Avocado

Unsaturated fats like avocado are full of antioxidants to fight off inflammation while still being easy on the digestive system. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and can be used in a huge number of ways.

#4. Salmon

Fatty acids like omega-3, which can be found in salmon, are essential for healthy heart and brain development. By introducing salmon into your child’s diet early on, you’ll have a better chance of them enjoying fish rather than turning their nose up at it!

#5. Fruit & Nuts

Of course, fruit and vegetables are an integral part of a healthy diet. But specific fruits have more nutrients than others. Mangoes, for example, are a great source of vitamin C as well as a small dose of natural sugar. Blueberries are also packed with a huge array of antioxidants that are perfect for the immune system, so together, they create a powerful sweet snack.

To add a little crunch, nuts are a great way to promote a healthy metabolism and maintain good energy levels, so your child can keep running, exploring, and playing all day long.

#6. Cocoa

Finally, one thing you’ve probably not thought about for your child’s healthy diet is cocoa. And they’ll love you for incorporating it! Cocoa powder (with a pure cocoa percentage of 70-80) can protect the skin from sun damage, as well as improve blood pressure and oral health. Add cocoa into pancakes, onto French toast, or make them a delicious hot chocolate.