We understand you want to know if you are giving your child the best foods to keep him healthy. So to help you assess your food-related knowledge, take this fun and easy quiz.
By answering the following questions, you’ll find out:
- How much you really know about the food your child eats and
- What food and eating patterns your child should avoid to prevent him from getting sick.
It’ll only take a few minutes, but the info you get can guide you for a long time. Go for it!
- Vitamin A is great for your child’s eyesight. Plus, it helps keeps his skin smooth. Which foods are rich in vitamin A?
- Maybe orange-colored fruits and veggies.
- Seafood, I think.
Answer: To give your little one sharper eyesight and clear, smooth skin, look for orange-colored fruits and veggies. Carrots and mangoes are great examples of this. Dark green leafy vegetables are also vitamin A rich, too.
- B Vitamins help the body create and use energy. They also play a big role in creating red blood cells, which bring oxygen to all the parts of the body. You can find vitamin B in:
- Mostly poultry and seafood.
- Definitely citrus fruits.
Answer: Seafood, especially oysters and shellfish, is rich in vitamin B. Red meat and egg yolks are sources of vitamin B, too.
- When it comes to fighting off infection or healing cuts and wounds, vitamin c is the super vitamin. What food has the most vitamin C?
- Citrus fruits!
- Peas and beans!
Answer: Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit and lemons, serve as delicious doses of vitamin c for your child.
- Resistance to sickness and wound healing are the powers of zinc. Where can you find zinc?
- Hmm…egg yolks and dairy products?
- Potatoes!
Answer: Zinc is found in egg yolks and dairy products. It’s also found in seafood, red meat and wholegrain cereals.
- Your child wants to eat fried chicken. Do you:
- Fry in very little oil, since chicken meat is naturally oily anyway?
- Deep fry in used oil, to make the chicken crispier and evenly cooked?
Answer: As much as possible, avoid deep frying and reusing oil because this can be a source of free radicals. Free radicals tend to damage healthy cells, and are responsible for aging and some diseases.
- What is usually found in his lunch box?
- Rice meal, banana, water.
- Cookies, chocolate milk, candies.
Answer: Rice meals, bananas and water are healthier than sugar-rich cookies, chocolate milk and candies. However, sugar itself is not bad. It is found in different forms in a lot of the food we eat. It only becomes bad when sugar-rich food replaces healthy food like fruits and veggies and becomes a staple in his diet. Remember that moderation is key.
- What does he like to drink?
Answer: Water helps your body flush out toxins. It also helps the liver and kidneys to get rid of toxins from the blood. It virtually has no calories so you can drink a lot of it and not gain weight. Fresh fruit juices, on the other hand, give your child vitamins and minerals in a fun and yummy way. However, fruit juices contain sugar, and overconsumption may cause mouth and teeth problems and weight gain.
- If your child is down with colds, one of the best dishes to give him is:
- Anything he likes, to give him a little comfort.
- Chicken soup. It’s good for the body and soul.
Answer: It’s very tempting to give in to your child’s wishes when he’s sick and sad. But to help him recuperate, give him chicken soup. A study has shown that chicken soup aids the healing process by breaking up congestion and easing the flow of mucus.
- Does your child regularly eat breakfast?
Answer: You’ve probably heard this one before—breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it spark your child’s metabolism into action, it also gives him energy for school. A healthy breakfast helps your child stay focused in class.
- Does he take vitamin supplements?
Answer: Vitamin supplements give your child the extra boost his immunity needs. If he is aged two to six years old, his immunity foundation is rapidly developing but not yet solid—thus, he is more vulnerable to infections and diseases. It’s best to give him a powerful combination of vitamin c and zinc to protect him when he is most at risk. With the right vitamins, proper diet, ample exercise and enough rest, your child’s defense against sickness is strengthened.
How well did you do, mom?
It’s ok if you didn’t get a perfect 10. What’s important is that you learned more about the right eating choices you and your child should make to keep him strong and healthy.
Remember:
Give your child a balanced diet which should consist of vitamins and minerals like:
Vitamin A – found in orange colored fruits and veggies, as well as in dark green leafy veggies
B Vitamins – found in seafood, poultry and dairy products
Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits
Zinc – found in egg yolk, seafood, and dairy products
Vitamin E- found in nuts, cereals, and fruits like avocado
Tips:
- Rancid oils and fats contain free radicals that damage healthy cells. Instead of fried food, try giving your child steamed or soupy dishes. Avoid deep frying in used oils.
- Give him sugary food like candies in moderation.
- Encourage him to drink as much as 8 glasses of water a day to help his body flush out toxins.
- If he’s suffering from colds, try giving him chicken soup.
- Never let your child skip breakfast. It will give him energy for school work and play.
- Give him the right vitamins. If he’s aged two to six, his immunity foundation is still underdeveloped, making him more vulnerable to infections and diseases. The powerful combination of vitamin c and zinc would help boost his defense against sickness at the time when he is most vulnerable.