Genetics isn’t the only factor influencing height development; daily nutrition also plays a crucial role. First, parents should be aware of and avoid common mistakes that can hinder their child’s height development.
These mistakes were pointed out by Director Li Kuo of the Beijing Jinghetang Chinese Medicine Hospital during a seminar on child nutrition.
3 Misconceptions That Hinder Height Growth
Neglecting to Build Your Child’s Confidence
Many children become shy, sensitive, and lack confidence over time. This psychological state can disrupt the production of growth hormones, affecting their height development.
Parents should encourage their children more and build positive self-esteem to promote physical and mental health and growth.
Underestimating the Importance of Exercise
Exercise is essential for children’s growth, development, and physical health. Activities like jumping and playing basketball can help promote bone growth and increase height.
Each child has a unique height growth rate.
However, many parents may neglect their children’s physical development, leading to a lack of adequate exercise. The advancement of technology and electronic devices like phones, tablets, and TVs can easily captivate children with games and entertainment, and a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity.
Therefore, parents should encourage their children to engage in more outdoor activities such as running, soccer, basketball, and swimming to promote height growth and physical health.
Blindly Focusing on Calcium While Neglecting Overall Nutrition
While calcium is crucial for bone development, improper calcium supplementation can hinder height growth.
Excessive calcium intake can lead to calcium overload in the body, causing issues like kidney stones or renal dysfunction.
Calcium overload can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. When the body has to deal with excess calcium, it affects bone development and height.
Instead, parents should focus on providing their children with a well-rounded diet that includes protein, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. A scientific and balanced diet helps children grow healthily and reach their maximum growth potential.
Every child has their own unique height growth rate.
4 Nutritious Meal Suggestions to Support Height Growth
All parents want their children to grow up healthy and happy, and proper nutrition is crucial during the height development process.
Height development is influenced not only by genetics but also by daily nutrition.
Appropriate balance of nutrients like protein and vitamins helps children develop strong bones, boost immunity, and enhance physical strength. Parental care is reflected not just in daily life but also in the meals they prepare.
A nutritionist suggests four home-cooked meals that are nutritious and promote children’s development.
Beef Stew with Tomatoes and Potatoes
This dish is rich in protein and iron, which support muscle and bone development. The iron in beef can prevent anemia and boost immunity, while tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, enhancing iron absorption. Carrots and potatoes provide dietary fiber and a range of vitamins, benefiting digestive health.
Ingredients: 300g beef, 2 tomatoes, 1 potato, ½ onion, 1 carrot, 2 garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, light soy sauce, soy sauce, cooking oil, and other seasonings.
Preparation:
– Cut the beef into cubes, blanch in boiling water, and set aside. Chop the tomatoes, potato, carrot into cubes, and finely chop the onion and garlic.
– Heat oil in a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the beef and sauté. Add the bay leaf and pour in an appropriate amount of light soy sauce, simmering over low heat.
– Add the tomatoes, potato, and carrot, continuing to cook until tender. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Beef stew with tomatoes and potatoes.
Fish Ball Soup with Bok Choy
This soup contains DHA and EPA, beneficial for brain development and improving memory and concentration. Additionally, if you use mackerel, it provides a good amount of calcium, contributing to strong bones and teeth.
Ingredients: 1 fish (about 500g), bok choy, 2 slices of ginger, 1 spring onion, salt, pepper, sesame oil, and other seasonings.
Preparation:
– Debone the fish and mince the meat. Finely chop the ginger and spring onion, then mix in an appropriate amount of salt and pepper.
– Mix thoroughly until the fish paste becomes sticky, then shape into small balls. Bring water to a boil, add the fish balls, and cook until they float. Add the bok choy and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add sesame oil, chopped spring onion, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Fish ball soup with bok choy.
Stir-fried Chicken with Mushrooms and Carrots
Stir-fried chicken with mushrooms and carrots is a colorful, tasty, and nutritious dish. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it ideal for promoting height growth. Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption and prevents bone disorders.
Ingredients: 500g chicken, 6 mushrooms, 1 carrot, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, 2 slices of ginger, a little cooking wine, and other seasonings.
Preparation:
– Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with ginger, cooking wine, soy sauce, and salt for 20 minutes. Soak the mushrooms and slice them.
– Combine the chicken with the mushrooms, carrots, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry until everything is cooked, then season to taste.
Stir-fried chicken with mushrooms and carrots.
Stir-fried Shrimp with Broccoli
Stir-fried shrimp with broccoli is a light and refreshing dish. Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and calcium, especially beneficial for children to meet their calcium needs for growth. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and calcium.
Ingredients: 200g shrimp, 1 small head of broccoli, 2 garlic cloves, salt, cooking oil, and other seasonings.
Preparation:
– Cut the broccoli into small florets and blanch in boiling water. Drain and set aside.
– Heat oil in a pan, sauté the garlic, then add the shrimp and stir-fry until they change color. Add the broccoli and season to taste.
A child’s healthy development relies on the attentive care of their parents, especially regarding their diet. Providing a rich source of nutrition through a well-balanced diet is essential. These four dishes are not only flavorful but also packed with protein, calcium, vitamins, and fiber, supporting the child’s overall growth and development.
Stir-fried shrimp with broccoli.
“The Humble Herring: A Nutritional Powerhouse Offering Omega-3 Rich Benefits for Just 20,000 VND per Kilo”
“In traditional Eastern medicine, tilapia is believed to have a sweet and neutral taste, free from any toxicity. This fish is considered especially beneficial for children who are underweight or anemic, as well as adults. With its mild flavor and tender texture, tilapia is a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal.”