Healthy Eating Active Living

 “Nutrition is the study of all of the interactions that occurs between people and food. It involves understanding which nutrients we need, where to find them in food, how they are used by our bodies and the impact they have on our health”. (Smolin& Grosvenor,2005).  Nutrition is a major component in child development, and poor nutrition during the infancy and toddlerhood can lead to stunted growth, cognitive deficits, behavioral problems and social impairment.

 A nutrient is a chemical substance in food that helps maintain the body. Some provide energy.  Nutrients help build cells and tissues, regulate bodily processes such as breathing.  A nutrient is a source of nourishment, an ingredient in a food, e.g. protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, mineral, fiber and water.  There are two types of nutrients: -Macronutrients are nutrients we need in relatively large quantities. Micronutrients are nutrients we need in relatively small quantities.

 MACRONUTRIENTS -Carbohydrates -Protein -Fats  MICRONUTRIENTS -Vitamins e.g. Vitamin A & C - Minerals e.g. Calcium and Sodium  Trace Elements e.g. Iron and Zinc Note:  Water prevents dehydration and keeps the body cool  Fibre undigested parts of plant

 Proper nutrition enhances a child:- - to have enough energy or calories to fuel their active play and their various stages of growth and development. - brain to grow and the development of cognitive skills. - to enhance learning and motor development.

 Make healthy nutritional choices.  Provide a comfortable, sociable environment.  Serve small portions of food at meal time.  Involve children in preparing meals and/or shopping for healthy food.  Children eating habits are encourage with finger foods for easier handling of food.  Be role models for your children.  Buy fruits and vegetables rather than snacks.

 Prepare foods simply. A one pot – meal not too many different items is a great idea.  Introduce one new food at a time  Offer a small amount  Don’t make an issue out of it  Try offering the new food again in a few days  Be patient  Don not force your child to eat. This may lead the child to become frustrated and ends up eating too much or not at all  Combine new food with other favorites  Foods should attractive and appealing  Set a good example, yourself. Let your children see you eating a variety of foods.

 “Good nutrition is essential for the growth and development that occurs during an infant’s first year of life. When developing infants are fed the appropriate types and amounts of foods, their health is promoted. Positive and supportive feeding attitudes and techniques demonstrated by the caregiver help infants develop healthy attitudes toward foods, themselves, and others ”.(Young VR, Pellett PL. Plant proteins in relation to human protein and amino acid nutrition.  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1994; 59(5):1203S-1212S).