Rice is a staple of Indonesian people, to the point that many people think that they haven't eaten if they don't eat rice. The first food that is usually given to children is rice in the form of porridge. Because from a small age already given rice, do not be surprised if most of us like to eat rice. However, some children also do not like to eat rice, one of which may be your child. But, do you have to worry if your child doesn't like to eat rice?
Rice is not only a source of carbohydrates
The staple food is usually a source of carbohydrates. Why? Because carbohydrates are the main energy source that the body needs to carry out activities. Carbohydrates are nutrients that are easily burned by the body to produce energy compared to other main nutrients, namely protein and fat. The body's needs for carbohydrates themselves are quite large, which is between 45-65% of the total calories needed per day.
Well, one of the main carbohydrate sources for most Indonesian people 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 the majority of Indonesia's population is very large per day.
Aside from being a source of carbohydrates, rice also stores very many 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 does not like to eat rice?
Some children may not like to eat rice because of the texture, taste, shape, or other things that make rice not familiar on their tongue. This might make you as a confused mother have to feed what child. Furthermore, this certainly makes you worry about your child's nutrition.
However, actually you do not need to worry if the child does not like to eat rice. Although rice is 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 in the two types of carbohydrates lies in their chemical structure and how quickly the body can digest them.
- Complex carbohydrates. This type of carbohydrate is digested 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 the type of carbohydrate that is easily digested by the body. No wonder this type of carbohydrate can quickly raise blood sugar. Positive, this type of carbohydrate can provide energy for the body quickly. But unfortunately, foods that are a source of simple carbohydrates usually do not contain a lot of nutrients or can also be called zero nutrition, and can contribute to excess calories in the body. Examples of foods such as simple carbohydrates are candy, sugar, cakes, syrup, and other sweet foods and drinks.
So, by providing an alternative source of carbohydrates other than rice, you don't need to worry that your child will lack carbohydrates. However, don't forget to always pay attention to the nutritional value contained in every meal. Make sure nutrition (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals) for your baby is well fulfilled.