It’s important to establish good eating habits during childhood. Try to teach your child to learn how to get enough healthy fats in his diet, starting at an early age is key to a life time of healthy eating.
Fat and Growth
Fat is needed to ensure normal body function, proper growth and development. Fat also helps provide your child with energy. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are found in avocados, nuts and olive oil are needed for growth. However, saturated and trans fats, which are found in meat and fried foods, are unhealthy and can increase the risk of childhood obesity.
Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers who are under the age of two need calories and fat because of rapid growth and development. A young child’s stomach is small and therefore can’t hold large amounts of food at a time, so it is important to make each meal count. For this reason, you should not restrict your child’s fat intake if she is under the age of two. Whole milk should always be given instead of reduced fat milk.
Older Children
Children aged between 2 and 3 should have a fat intake of 30 to 35 percent of their total calorie intake. Children between the ages of 4 and 18 years of age should have a fat intake of 25 to 35 percent of total calories consumed. Low-fat foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are not enough for your growing child, so it’s important to ensure his diet also consists of lean meat, skinless protein, nuts and nut oils.
Recommendations
If there is a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or if your child is at risk of becoming overweight, it may be safe for her to follow a reduced fat diet. Speak to her GP if you are unsure how to determine the amount of fat your child needs.