Where would we be without our makan? The importance of food in Singaporean culture is hard to underestimate. But we all know that char kway teow and curry puffs, while delicious, aren’t the healthiest choices for every meal, especially for growing children! What food should they be eating? It can be hard to figure out easy snacks and meals sometimes, so we’ve assembled a list of top ten super foods for kids for you! With just a little effort, you can make sure your kids are fed in a happy, wholesome way through the day.
Apples
The saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away may not be medically proven, but apples certainly make for a healthy snack. Loaded with antioxidants, fibre and vitamin C, they provide a sweet alternative to kueh or candy!
Watermelon
Singapore is a hot country. And what better way to cool down the family than a chunk of watermelon. This fruit is both refreshing and healthy—providing vitamins A and C as well as a sweet treat! These vitamins can actually help protect against cancer by cancelling out the effects of some free radicals. Give your kids some watermelon juice from the fruit stand next time or just let them savor a big chunk of it while you enjoy their smiles!
Oatmeal
Cereal can be a hot favourite when it comes to breakfast choices. However, there is an unhealthy amount of sugar that is loaded in those brightly-colored food products. Too much sugar is unhealthy so we should turn to oatmeal instead. Oatmeal stabilizes blood glucose and as a result, improves your child’s mood by giving them the advantage of a source of slow-releasing energy. Oatmeal is also full of vitamin B and beta-glucans, a substance that reduces the risk of heart disease while lowering cholesterol—with this easy breakfast, you’re also preparing your kids for a healthy life, not just childhood!
Eggs
A fantastic protein source, eggs are a good way to start one’s day. They contain the nutrient choline, which is key to helping develop your child’s memory and muscles. It’s a naturally filling ingredient, and delicious to boot! You can’t go wrong with eggs in various forms—scrambled, soft-boiled, hard-boiled, omelette, fried—your choice!
Salmon
Though considered slightly pricey, salmon is another healthy fat, omega-3 that is good for developing young brains and improving eyesight.
Chicken
In Singapore, chicken serves as the main source of protein for most non-vegetarian households. In addition to eggs and salmon, this favoured meat makes for a good first protein for babies since it’s mild and tender. Try not to have it fried though, as it takes away the nutrients and increases the amount of fat content. Have it roasted if you must—replace KFC with SRC, Singapore Roasted Chicken!
Carrots
These colorful vegetables are sure to entice young children. On top of that, carrots are full of nutrients that help to boost the immune system and eyes.
Honey
A substitute to sugar, honey serves as a natural sweetener that is a perfect complement to baked goods or oatmeal. Just a couple of teaspoons to the cup of warm water and the sore throat that your child has will vanish!
Beans and Lentils
If your child struggles with their daily bowel movements, they might be lacking fiber. Having beans and lentils will solve that easily. These small but mighty food products are also a good protein source if you’re looking for a meat substitute.
Barley Water
There’s nothing better than a glass of barley water, hot or cold! And there’s nothing better for your kids, too. Barley water is one of the healthiest drinks they can have, and a good alternative to a sugary Milo when it comes to preparing your children for the day. With its high fiber content, barley water flushes toxins from growing bodies and also keeps their tummies filled for a longer period of time — meaning that you aren’t going to hear as many calls for snacks! It may also help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer in the long run. Flavor it with some lemon juice for a boost of vitamin C!
So next time you’re shopping, have a look at what you’re buying. What you get your kids to eat can make all the difference for them—today and for the rest of their lives.
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