School-aged children grow significantly, but at slower rate, whilst being very physically active in general. As a result, their nutritional needs are high and critical. Additionally, genetic background, gender, body size and shape are all important determinants of nutrient requirements. A recent review of research on the effects of deficiencies in zinc, iodine, iron and foliate on the cognitive development of school-aged children showed that nutrition has an impact on children’s ability to think. Children are at a time in their life when they are constantly growing and learning new knowledge.
Key points for raising healthy children:
Always keep a variety of healthy snacks available. (Salads of fresh and dry fruits, yogurt, raw vegetables, sprouted grains etc.)
Always keep a variety of healthy snacks available. (Salads of fresh and dry fruits, yogurt, raw vegetables, sprouted grains etc.)
Reduced fat snacks are not always low calorie. Many tend to be high in sugar and have very little nutrient value.
Let the child participate in grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation. These are great opportunities to teach them about good nutrition.
Let the child participate in grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation. These are great opportunities to teach them about good nutrition.
Never use food as a reward or punishment. Kids, who are deprived meals as punishment, will overeat when possible for fear of missing the next meal.
Do not be overly restrictive with sweets and treats. Develop a healthy attitude towards them.
Discourage the children from snacking while watching television. People tend to ignore their hunger cues while watching television, leading to overeating.
Encourage the child to be active. Let them discover physical activities that they find enjoyable.
Nutritional advice for school-aged children.
Eat breakfast every day to help maintain concentration in class. A typical breakfast includes a cereal (for example, rice, bread, and oats), protein-rich food such as egg, a glass of milk and vitamin C rich fruit e.g. orange, and papaya. One study found that an overnight and morning fast among school children had deleterious effects on memory and attention. Empirical evidence from research on the effects of breakfast on cognition shows that particularly for younger children, skipping breakfast can have adverse effects on both general energy levels and cognition of school children.
Eat a variety of foods in order to have adequate nutrient intake.
Balance the food you eat with physical activity.
Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruits.
Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Buy low-calorie and low-fat meals, snacks and deserts, low fat or skim milk and diet drinks.
Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Buy low-calorie and low-fat meals, snacks and deserts, low fat or skim milk and diet drinks.
Choose a diet that provides enough calcium and iron to meet their growing body’s requirements.
Choose a diet moderate in sugars and salt. Avoid giving large amounts of sweet deserts, soft drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, sugar-coated cereals, chips or candy, as they have little nutritional value.
Teach children from an early age about nutrition, foods, drinks, healthy eating and drinking. They should be taught what happens to the food they consume and how it would help them to grow healthy.
Yes ma'am, True, food habits should be followed and implemented too
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