Nutrition for Children
Providing Good Nutrition The amount of food children need varies depending on their: Weight level of physical activity Average: eat 5 or 6 small nutritious meals and snacks a day
Meals & Snacks Avoid foods high in: Salt, sugar, or fat Good snacks: Apples, grapes, cheese, yogurt, and raisins Encourage good eating habits by: Modeling Make appealing Do not force/ make a reward
Teaching children about nutrition Involve children Making choices Grocery shopping Preparing meals Make lunches at home
Poor nutrition-Reasons Caregivers… not aware of the needs for good nutrition may not understand the basics of good nutrition Rely too heavily on convenience foods or foods from fast-food restaurants bad role models
What happens if a child lacks essential nutrition? Get ill Not grow adequately May have learning difficulties Weight problems Diabetes-heart disease
Encourage Physical Activity Involve children in daily activities-around the house Enjoy fun activities together Focus on age-appropriate activities Model active behavior Find a team or individual sport the child likes