Healthy eating habits should be adopted at an early age, says UAE nutritionist

The gathering, which was organized by Barni, a tasty, playful and wholesome daily snack loved by kids and approved by moms, was attended by more than 190 kids and moms who interacted with the nutritionist on a wide range of topics such as the importance of coaching young children on good eating habits, energy needs for kids and balanced diet, typical meal patterns for children and adolescents in Gulf countries and the role of food breaks in a child's diet and recommendation for a balanced snacking for children.

Hala Barghout said: "Trying and exposing your child to healthy and varied foods during their early development stages will reap a good harvest in the future. Kids need to adopt a healthy, balanced and varied diet. Eating enough vegetables, fruits, cereals, high quality protein and dairy products is essential, limiting the consumption of processed foods. Kids also need to learn to have three main regular meals throughout the day avoiding constant unhealthy nibbling between meals. Additionally, physical activity should be enjoyed by kids and be a large part of their daily routine."

"Children are what they eat and it's the sole responsibility of the parents to ensure that their kid eats right and eats well," she added.

"We have partnered with Hala Barghout to organize a series of information sessions on child nutrition for UAE moms to help mothers with child development. The second session will be held during the first quarter of 2013 to discuss more specific topics on child nutrition, empowering moms to make wiser decisions concerning their kids' nutritional development," said B Jayachandran, Director Refreshment Beverages MEA & Chocolates and Snacks GCC & NM, Mondelçz International.

With no artificial colorants and preservatives, lower in fat (15%) with good fat quality providing Omega 3 plus source of cereal (21%) combined with Calcium, Barni is suitably adapted to kids' energy intake. Experts advise mothers that snacks are very important, but make them count and be nutrient dense rather than energy dense. Barni contains milk and eggs, giving children a percentage of their daily calcium and protein intake. The fortified wheat flour contains essential Vitamin B and minerals - all elements vital to healthy growth and development.