Healthy Food and Nutrition

WEEK 4: NUTRITION AND CHILDREN-APPLICATION: BY KIMBERLY BRANNON
Because there are about 13 million children in early childhood education programs before they reach kindergarten, it is important that their nutritional needs are met while they are in the childcare environment (Robertson, 2010, p.214). All teachers should have a basic knowledge of nutrition and should model proper food selection for children. Food and nutrition should be an integral part of the promotion of health (p.214). Adequate nutrition during childhood is necessary to maintain overall health and provide for growth (p.215).
An infant grows faster during the first year than at any other time of her life. The growth and development of an infant is directly related to nutrition (p.295). Babies only need breast milk or formula for the first six months of life. As the infant grows, she will be able to digest solid food (p.295). The first year of life is a time of more rapid growth and development than any other time of life. A baby usually doubles its birth weight within the first four months and triples birth weight by the first birthday (HON Foundation, 2004). For this amazing growth, the infant requires an adequate intake of calories and essential nutrients. Babies need the same nutrients we do: protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals. Over 40 different nutrients are needed for babies’ healthy growth and development (HON Foundation, 2004).
Children at age 1-to-2-years-old are moving from their infant eating habits to a diet more like your own. Parents and childcare providers need to keep broadening toddlers’ palate by introducing new flavors and textures (Keep Kids Healthy, 2000). Food preferences are set early in life, so children need help developing a taste for healthy foods now. Toddlers need milk because it provides calcium and vitamin D, which help build strong bones (Keep Kids Healthy, 2000).
Although growth during the preschool years is slower compared with that of the first 2 years of life, preschool kids still need about 1,200 to 1,600 calories a day-calories that should come from a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean meat, beans, low-fat milk, fruits, and vegetables (The Nemours Foundation, 1995). Children establish food preferences and dietary habits during the first six years of life. It is essential to introduce a variety of foods to children at an early age. Preschoolers may be “picky eaters” sometimes, however adults should consistently offer a variety of foods to help them overcome the natural tendency to reject new food and lead them to healthy eating habits (Bellows, L., Anderson, J., 2006).
Children of school age need to eat healthy, balanced diets. The needs for most nutrients increase as girls and boys reach puberty because they are growing so quickly and often gain half their final body weight during adolescence (10-18 years). Adolescent boys have high energy needs and that is why they are often hungry and eat large quantities of food (Burgess, A., 2004).
Children who do not get proper nutrition grow slowly, have little energy to play, study, or do physical work, are likely to be anaemic and/or lack vitamin A or iodine. Children who are hungry have short attention spans and do not do as well at school as they should (Burgess, A., 2004).
Overweight and obesity among children and youths are becoming problems in some places, especially urban areas. Children can become overweight when they eat too many fatty and/or sugary foods, and consume too many fizzy drinks, and are not physically active (Burgess, A., 2004). Overweight children could be at risk for cardiovascular problems. Children need good nutrition and regular exercise to be heart healthy (Robertson, 2010, p.227).
Parents can limit television viewing, and computer and video use and encourage their children to play, indoors and outside (p.228). Children need daily exercise, up to at least one hour is recommended. Parents should moderate their children’s intake in energy-dense foods and encourage making healthy food selections along with getting regular physical activity (p.227).
Eating well is vital for a healthy and active life. When children are undernourished and lack nutrients they have less energy for playing and studying. Their immune systems are weak so they become ill easily (Burgess, A., 2004). Children will stop growing and may lose weight. If there is a lack of iron, the mental and physical development of children may be delayed. If there is a lack of vitamin A, children are more likely to become sick because the immune system is damaged. More than half the deaths of children aged 0-5 years are associated with under nutrition (Burgess, A., 2004).
Adults can help children establish good eating habits by serving food “family-style” in bowls and make it colorful and appealing. Children should be allowed to spoon out their food onto their plates (Robertson, 2010, p.308). This allows the children to make choices and actively participate in mealtime activities. Preschoolers are old enough to help prepare meals. This is a good way for the child to engage in preparing food, trying new food, and understanding more about the importance of healthy eating habits (p.308).
Adults can be role models for healthy eating habits. If an adult sits with a child at mealtime and engages the child in conversation while also eating the same foods, this sends a positive message to the child about eating and also how mealtime can be fun and it makes the meal more meaningful for the child (p.308). Also, by allowing children some independence and control over what they eat, they may eat more because they regulate their own intake (p.308).
By teachers modeling good healthy eating habits and encouraging children to eat foods that are nutritious, they may help establish good eating patterns for the children’s future. Mealtime offers genuine opportunities for conversations about food and eating behavior (p.316). Encouraging a child to be involved in food selection, preparation, and mealtime activities will give the child the confidence to make better choices (p.316).
There are many great recipes on the internet that parents can make with their preschooler. Here are 3 of my favorites: Strawberry Shortcake’s Fruit Pizza: Preparation Time: 10 minutes. Serves: 1, Cups of fruits and vegetables per serving: ½
Ingredients: 1 English muffin, 2 tablespoons whipped, fat-free strawberry cream cheese, 1/3 cup strawberries, sliced, ¼ cup red grapes, quartered, ¼ cup canned mandarin oranges, drained. Preparation: Toast the English muffin until golden brown. Spread cream cheese on toasted muffin. Arrange sliced strawberries, grapes, and orange slices on top of the cream cheese. Slice into quarters and you’ll have “yummy fruit pizza”! Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of folate and fiber. Nutritional information per serving: calories: 228, total fat: 1.3g, saturated fat: 0g, % of calories from fat: 5%, % calories from saturated fat: o%, protein: 10g, carbohydrates: 46g, cholesterol: 5mg, dietary fiber: 4g, sodium: 374mg. Children should only make this recipe with the help of an adult (Produce for Better Health Foundation, 2006).
Lemon Meringue’s Tuna Salad Wraps: Preparation time: 20 minutes, Serves: 6, Cups of fruits and vegetables per serving: 1, Ingredients: 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ½ cup low-fat lemon yogurt, 1 12-oz. can solid white tuna in water, drained, 2 cups seedless red grapes, cut in half, 2 stalks celery, diced, 1/3 cup chopped dates, 12 large green or red leaf lettuce leaves, washed and patted dry. Preparation: In a medium bowl, combine first three ingredients, mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients, except for the lettuce. Mix together well. Place about ½ cup of tuna mixture into center of two lettuce leaves and roll up. Garnish with additional red grapes, if desired. Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of magnesium, potassium and fiber. Nutritional information per serving: calories: 162, total fat: 2.2g, saturated fat: 0.7g, % of calories from fat: 11%, % calories from saturated fat: 4%, protein: 16g, carbohydrates: 22g, cholesterol: 25mg, dietary fiber: 2g, sodium: 261mg. Children will love this recipe (Produce for Better Health Foundation, 2006).
Orange Blossom’s Orange Frosty: Preparation time: 5 minutes. Servings: 1. Cups of fruits and vegetables per serving: 1. Ingredients: ½ cup fat-free vanilla ice cream, ½ cup orange juice, 1 orange, peeled and frozen, 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional). Preparation: Place all ingredients in blender and enjoy. Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of calcium and potassium. Nutritional information per serving: calories: 113, total fat: 0.2g, saturated fat: 0.0g, % of calories from fat: 0%, protein: 3g, carbohydrates: 24g, cholesterol: 0mg, dietary fiber: 2g, sodium: 34mg. Parents must always assist children when preparing these recipes. Together this will be fun and delicious! Preschoolers must always have help from an adult when preparing a dish (Produce for Better Health Foundation, 2006).
Nutrition education is an important tool for the teacher helping parents and children better understand their role in proper nutrition for good health and well-being (Robertson, 2010, p.323). Education helps to break down barriers, provide awareness of the effects of growth and development on feeding habits, and provide strategies to parents who want to make sure their children are getting a healthy start (p.323).
References:
Bellows, L., & Anderson, J. (2006). The food friends: Encouraging Preschoolers to Try New Foods. YC Young Children, 61 (3), 37-39. Retrieved June 29, 2010 from, ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1038789371).
Burgess, A. (2004). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Family Nutrition Guide. Retrieved on June 29, 2010 from, http://www.fao.org
Burgess, A. (2004). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Feeding School-Age Children and Youths. Retrieved June 29, 2010 from, http://www.fao.org
HON Foundation. (2004). Mother and Child Glossary: Health on the Net Foundation: Feeding and Nutrition of Your Baby. Retrieved June 29, 2010 from http://www.hon.ch/Dossier/MotherChild/postnatal/feeding.html
Keep Kids Healthy.com. (2000). Feeding Your Newborn. Retrieved June 29, 2010 from, http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/newborn/newbornnutrition.html
Produce for Better Health Foundation. (2006). Fruits and Veggies More Matters: Healthy Cooking with Your Kids: Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Recipes. Retrieved June 30, 2010 from, http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
Robertson, C. (2010, 2007). Safety, Nutrition, and Health in Early Education (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
The Nemours Foundation. (1995). Kids Health: Snacks for Preschoolers. Retrieved on June 30, 2010 from, http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition fit/nutrition/preschool snacks.html
Comments and Grade
Kim,
I appreciate your thorough work in comparing the nutritional needs and eating habits of all three age groups.
Thanks for sharing kid-friendly recipes; they look yummy!
You did a great job on this assignment.
Erin Grade 30 points
27–30 points
• Response demonstrates a full understanding and correct use of the concepts and/or strategies as presented in the Learning Resources.
• Response follows directions and includes all components indicated in the instructions. If requested, references are included and properly cited.
• Writing demonstrates mastery of all criteria for high academic literacy standards as indicated in “Writing Across the Curriculum”
24–26 points