5 Ways to Meet Children's Nutrition Needs during Ramadan Fasting, Parents Need to Know

Kapanlagi.com - Nutritious food is very important for children's growth. However, during fasting in Ramadan like now, children cannot eat as much as usual. Yet, there are several nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All of them must be fulfilled to ensure that children continue to grow healthily. So, how can we fulfill children's nutrition during fasting in Ramadan?

Because, no matter what, children's nutritional intake must still be fulfilled. Not only to prevent growth delays, nutritional intake is also useful for children to be strong in performing the Ramadan fast. Therefore, parents must find ways to fulfill children's nutritional needs during fasting in Ramadan.

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Don't worry too much, here are some ways to fulfill children's nutritional needs during fasting in Ramadan that you can try.

1. Recognize Nutrient-Rich Foods

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As mentioned earlier, there are certain nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are important for children's growth. Therefore, the most basic way to meet children's nutritional needs is to know the food sources of these nutrients.

1) Carbohydrates
In children's growth, carbohydrates function as an energy source. When fasting, it is highly recommended to choose complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, whole grains, whole wheat bread, and brown rice. These complex carbohydrates are good for children's digestion.

2) Protein
Protein is the main nutrient that supports bone growth. Sources of protein include lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products.

3) Fats
In addition to carbohydrates, children's bodies also need fats as a reserve energy source. However, fat consumption should be limited to healthy fats. Sources of fats include olive oil, avocados, fish, and nuts.

4) Vitamins and minerals
Various types of vitamins and minerals have diverse benefits. Therefore, to achieve optimal growth, the body also needs a variety of vitamin intake. As we know, vitamins and minerals can be obtained from fruits and vegetables.

2. Give Children Their Favorite Healthy Food

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After knowing the types of food that contain sources of nutrition, the next way to fulfill children's nutrition during fasting is by giving them food that they like.

Because it would be useless to serve nutritious food that the child doesn't like. The child may refuse to eat, and their nutrition will not be fulfilled. So, parents can give their children their favorite food that contains nutritional ingredients mentioned above. Because by doing so, indirectly the child will be more enthusiastic about eating and their nutritional needs will be fulfilled.

3. Don't Let Children Miss Suhoor

Suhoor is an important time during fasting. Because suhoor is the last opportunity for children to eat and drink. It means that suhoor is one of the appropriate times to fulfill children's nutritional needs throughout the day of fasting. In fact, suhoor is not only important for fulfilling nutritional needs, but also for maintaining concentration throughout the day.

Therefore, make sure that children do not miss suhoor. Additionally, ensure that children have suhoor with food that provides various necessary nutrients.

4. Get Used to Drinking Milk during Iftar and Suhoor

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It is a common secret that milk is an important drink for children's growth. Previously, it was also mentioned that milk is one of the good sources of protein for children's growth. Therefore, one way to fulfill children's nutrition during fasting is by making it a habit for children to drink milk during suhoor and iftar.

Not only rich in protein, milk also contains other nutritional content such as iron, calcium, and zinc. Calcium is useful for bone and teeth density. Iron is beneficial in preventing and treating anemia. Zinc is useful in maintaining the immune system, so that children do not feel weak and can remain active during the fasting month.

5. Monitor Children's Condition During Fasting

Another way to fulfill children's nutritional needs during fasting is by monitoring their condition. Always pay attention to the children's condition during fasting. Because signs of malnutrition in children can be seen from their daily activities. Some signs of children lacking nutritional intake include feeling weak, sunken eyes, being fussy, difficulty concentrating, and so on.

So if children show these signs, it's not wrong for parents to evaluate their children's meal menus during iftar and suhoor. Perhaps, there are things that can be improved or perfected to fulfill the children's nutritional intake, and so that the children can be cheerful again.

Those are some of the 5 ways to fulfill children's nutritional needs during Ramadan fasting. Parents can follow the above methods to ensure that their children's nutritional intake is met. Because, regardless, training children to fast is as important as taking care of their health.

(kpl/psp)