1. Nutrition Through the Life Cycle

2. General Nutritional Needs
Good nutrition plays a major role in wellness and disease prevention.
Exercise is important throughout the life cycle.
Proper amounts of fiber in the diet are directly linked to preventing many health problems.

3. The Nutritional Lifespan
Child (12 months-11 years)
Adolescent (12-20 years)
Adult (21-60 years)
Older Adults (60+ years)

4. Childhood Nutrition
Children are active and growing: they need nutrient dense foods in small amounts, frequently throughout the day.
Nutrient dense snack ideas: yogurt, milk, fruit, vegetables, cooked meat, unsweetened cereal, whole grain crackers.

5. Childhood Nutrition Grains: 6 oz everyday, half being whole grains
Follow the MyPlate Guidelines for Kids (Based on ages 6-11). It states that every child needs:
Grains: 6 oz everyday, half being whole grains
Vegetables: 2 ½ cups everyday
Fruits: 1 ½ cups everyday
Milk: 2 ½ cups everyday
Protein: 5 oz everyday

6. Early Childhood Nutrition
Set an example: children watch and learn from their caregivers.
Make meals fun: serve foods with bright color, different texture, and shapes.
Do not use food as a reward or as a punishment.

7. Early Childhood Nutrition
Teach children how to prepare nutrient-rich foods by and for themselves.
Introduce foods one at a time, not all at once.
Encourage children to drink water instead of sugary drinks.

8. Children’s Snack Lab!

9. Adolescent Nutrition: 12-20
During growth spurts, more food is needed to support growth, but the food should be nutrient dense.
Goal: Avoid high sugar and high fat snack-foods and beverages.

10. Adolescent MyPlate Guidelines:
Dairy: 3 C per day
Protein: 5-6 oz per day
Grains: 6-8 oz per day
Vegetables: 2 ½ - 3 C per day
Fruits: 1 ½ - 2 C per day

11. Special Nutritional Concerns Eating Disorders
Eating disorders involve physiological changes associated with food.
Anorexia Nervosa: psychological loss or denial of appetite and self-starvation
Bulimia Nervosa: large quantities of food are eaten at one time (binging) and then purged from the body by vomiting or use of laxatives

12. Outward Signs of Eating Disorders
Preoccupation with food
Person becomes irritable and hostile
Person refuses to eat or eats very little
Person is excessively critical of themselves
Person looks emaciated
Hair loss
Bruising
Dental decay

13. Physical Effects of Eating Disorders
Lowered body temperature
Metabolism slows down
Decreased heart rate
Iron-deficiency anemia
Rough, dry, scaly and cold skin
Low blood potassium
Decreased bone mass (osteoporosis) and muscle mass
Possible loss of teeth
Muscle tears and fractures in athletes

14. How can you help a friend?
Be sensitive
Let them know that you are there to help and to be a friend.
Talk to a trusted adult to set up appointments for professional help
The most important thing you can do is be a support for your friend. Let them know that you are there for them no matter what.

15. Adult Nutrition: 21-60
Adults should be aware of the balance between caloric intake and spent energy.
Choose a variety of healthy, nutrient dense foods.
Make regular physical activity a priority.

16. Adults and MyPlate Fruit: 1 ½ - 2 C per day
Vegetables: 2 ½ - 3 C per day
Grains: 6-7 oz per day
Protein: 5-6 oz per day
Dairy: 3 C per day

17. Older Adults: 60+
Thirst signals decline with age. Increase liquids by eating foods like soups, smoothies, and cooked cereals.
Often older adults have special dietary needs such as low fat or low sodium.

18. Elderly Diet Video

19. Older Adults
Malnutrition is a concern, especially for older adults who live alone. There are social service programs in most communities to help them receive nutritious meals.

20. MyPlate for the Elderly
Fruit: 1 ½ - 2 C per day
Vegetables: 2-2 ½ C per day
Grain: 5-6 oz per day
Protein: 5-5 ½ oz per day
Dairy: 3 C per day

21. Senior Citizens Lab!