Malnutrition, whether its about being undernourished or overnourished is not a good thing.  Children and even parents have been trapped in a lot of campaigns that have subtly covered their tracks when it comes to promoting good health. Also, it cannot be denied that with a lot of things going on in the foods we eat whether it’s something bought in the market or in the fast foods, chemical additives, transfats and refined sugar are almost always present. Add to that is the temptation of just leading sedentary lives with the advent of video games, the internet and computers.

Sometimes, it can just be very frustrating and it is convincingly, easy to give up but as parents, it is our prime duty to make sure that our child is well-nourished. On our end, a perfectly nourished child makes us happy, gives us less worries and makes us more fulfilled. But then, how do we really gauge a well-nourished child?

There are so many signs to check into but one thing that probably stands out is that your child is gaining the necessary height and weight as crossed reference in the growth chart. The pediatrician can help you with tracking whether your child is growing normally for his age. As a word of caution, do not be comparing your child’s progress with the other children because you will always encounter differences.

Check your child’s eyesight. Someone who has a strong eyesight is absolutely nourished with the right amounts of Vitamin A which can be mostly found in vegetables and fruits with strong yellow to orange colors such as carrots, pumpkins and mangoes.

The skin is also a good indicator of how healthy your child is. A well-maintained skin that is free from minor injuries and one that is soft, supple and growing are apt for a kid. So, if your child complains of itchiness or pain in the skin and you notice redness and swelling, you should have the condition checked if it persists. With good skin, one will automatically have the shiny glowy hair. A healthy hair should also have no lice and excessive oils. Again, fruits and vegetables play a key role in strengthening the hair and making sure it looks shiny. Additionally, the fingernails and toenails should also appear healthy. This can be inferred from the color of the nails; if these are discolored and they appear to be chipped, your child may not be getting good doses of protein, Vitamin D and calcium.

Speaking of calcium, your child should be able to flash a healthy set of teeth. Apart from brushing, nutritive elements found in vegetables, fruits and milk can support the development and maintenance of your child’s teeth. In feeding them these items, you also assure him of bone and muscle development which are also signs that your child is well.

Finally, when your child is active during the day and is able to sleep soundly at night, you may rest on your laurels as wellness is a holistic approach; not only should you focus on the physical features but as well as the emotional and psychological aspects.