Understanding Pediatrician Recommendations for Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Why Healthy Lifestyle Habits Are Important for Your Child

Your child is growing and developing. Your child needs a healthy diet to grow strong bones and a robust immune system. Your child must also exercise to promote coordination, balance, and strength. Your pediatrician can help you establish healthy lifestyle habits for your child.

What Your Child Needs for a Healthy Diet

First, let’s discuss calories. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. You want to start your child off right with the correct caloric intake. According to healthychildren.org, your child should consume:

• 1000 calories if your child is 2-3 years old
• 1200-1400 calories if your child is 4-8 years old
• 1400-1600 calories for girls, and 1600-2000 calories for boys 9-13 years old
• 1800 calories for girls, and 2000-2400 calories for boys 14-18 years old

These calories should primarily consist of:

• Lean proteins, including fish, chicken and turkey
• Fruits, including whole fruits and not fruit juices
• Vegetables, including plenty of green leafy vegetables
• Whole grains, including rice, quinoa, and whole wheat
• Dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese

Your pediatrician can help you develop meal plans to encourage a healthy diet.

Why Exercise is Important for Your Child

Try to keep your child active and away from watching a screen. Your child needs at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. Your child is more likely to be active if you and your family participate. You should consider:

• Joining a gym facility and going as a family
• Trying out new sports as a family, like skiing or swimming
• Going on a hike or family activity together at least once each week

Socialization is Important for Children

Gaming, watching TV, and scrolling on a phone can be isolating for children. Your child needs bonding time with other children, so it’s important to build your child’s social skills by encouraging time spent with others. You can also have a family game night to play board games or watch a movie together.

Want To Know More about Healthy Habits for Children?

To find out more about pediatrician recommendations for building healthy lifestyle habits, call Dr. Ronda Zulich, voted Best Pediatrician in Las Vegas since 2019, and Dr. David Barton at Southern Nevada Pediatric Center in Las Vegas, NV. You can reach them in the office by calling (702) 850-5437, so call today.