Should you worry if your child doesn't like to eat rice? & bull; hello healthy

Rice is the staple food of Indonesians, to the point that many people think that they have not eaten if they do not eat rice. The first food that is usually given to children is rice in the form of porridge. Since we have been given rice since childhood, it's no wonder most of us like to eat rice. However, some children do not like to eat rice, one of them may be your child. But, should you be worried if your child doesn't like to eat rice?

Rice is not just a source of carbohydrates

The staple food is usually a source of carbohydrates. Why? Because carbohydrates are the main source of energy that the body needs to carry out activities. Carbohydrates are the nutrients that are most easily burned by the body to produce energy compared to other main nutrients, namely protein and fat. The body's need for carbohydrates itself is quite large, which is between 45-65% of the total calories needed per day.

Well, one of the main sources of carbohydrates for most Indonesians is rice. This is supported by resources that are easily found on Indonesian soil, namely rice or rice. So do not be surprised, if the consumption of rice by most of the population of Indonesia is very large per day.

Apart from being a source of carbohydrates, rice also stores a lot of nutrients, such as calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex. For children, rice is a food that has a very low risk of allergies and is easy to digest. So, actually rice is a good food for children.

Then, what if the child doesn't like to eat rice?

Some children may not like to eat rice because of its texture, taste, shape, or other things that make rice unfamiliar to their tongue. This may make you as a mother confused about what to feed your child. Furthermore, this certainly makes you worry about your child's nutrition.

However, you actually don't need to worry if your child doesn't like to eat rice. Although rice is indeed one of the main sources of carbohydrates, rice is not the only source of carbohydrates. There are many other main carbohydrate sources that can meet your child's carbohydrate needs. For example, bread, potatoes, noodles, pasta, and others. Not only that, sugar, flour, fruit and vegetables can also be sources of carbohydrates, but not the main ones.

Various types of carbohydrates

You need to know, carbohydrates are divided into several types, namely complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. The difference between the two types of carbohydrates lies in their chemical structure and how fast the body can digest them.

Complex carbohydrates. This type of carbohydrate digests the body longer than complex carbohydrates. Usually fibrous foods are a source of complex carbohydrates. For example, potatoes, corn, oats, wheat, cereals, vegetables and fruit.
Simple carbohydrates. Is a type of carbohydrate that is most easily digested by the body. No wonder these types of carbohydrates can quickly raise blood sugar. On the plus side, these types of carbohydrates can provide the body with energy quickly. But unfortunately, foods that are a source of simple carbohydrates usually do not contain many nutrients or can also be called zero nutrients, and can contribute to excess calories in the body. Examples of food sources of simple carbohydrates are candy, sugar, cakes, syrups, and other sweet foods and drinks.

So, by providing an alternative source of carbohydrates other than rice, you don't have to worry about your child being short on carbohydrates. However, don't forget to always pay attention to the nutritional value contained in every food. Make sure the nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals) for your baby are well fulfilled.