Nutrition is the science of food and nutrients and their relationship to health and disease. It plays a significant role in the early months and years of our lives. Appropriate feeding practices play a crucial role in achieving optimal health and developmental outcomes. A good way to understand the value of a nutritious diet is if you consider how food like salted snacks, most sweet desserts, fried fast food and carbonated beverages never seems to keep our bellies full for long.

Nutrition is important to any individual’s overall health; more so in the case of children. Proper nutrition ensures that a child grows well to his/her full potential in all aspects, may that be physical, mental, emotional etc.

This article attempts to explain the basics of foods and will help parents choose wisely in terms of feeding their children. As a parent, if you are not sure what you ought to be eating, what you ought to be ideally feeding your child and what exactly constitutes a balanced diet then read on!

Nutrition constitutes of 3 processes:
1. Food or drink is consumed.
2. The body breaks down the food or drink into nutrients.
3. The nutrients travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body where they are used as "fuel" and for many other purposes.

At approximately 2 years of age, the child is ready for certain limits to be set and parameters to be put in place. Disciplining your child should include teaching him/her to take the healthier options in eating. The child will learn to make healthier choices later in life if the family is aware of the child’s nutritional needs. Start now and educate your child to grow up the healthier way.

The best nutrition advice to a person of any age will include:
• Eating a variety of nutritious foods every day.

• A diet that contains carbohydrates, fats and proteins in a balanced proportion.

• Choosing a diet with plenty of whole grains and whole grain products (like oatmeal, whole wheat bread etc), vegetables and fruits.

• Keeping the intake of sugar and salt in check.

• A diet that is low in fat and cholesterol.

• A diet that provides the essential vitamins, minerals and micronutrients as per the requirement of the body at that particular age.

• Balancing the diet with adequate physical activity.

Good nutrition begins at home. It is easier to follow the guidelines if every one in the family is involved and willing. Parents can start by making exercise a routine in the household. Buy low-calorie and low-fat meals, snacks, desserts, low-fat milk and fruit juices (instead of soft drinks) if your child is facing obesity problems.