Children and the importance of a healthy diet

Paul B.

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Children and the importance of a healthy diet

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Abstract

The aim of this essay is to create a body of knowledge for a follow-on research on the subject of the nutritional health needs of children from 3 to 5. For this purpose, information was gathered through observations as well as through study and analysis of materials presented in books, research journals, and professional publications so as to identify the role of healthy school lunches in preventing obesity in young children and to determine the appropriate strategies provided by the support mechanism and multi-agencies within a context of an early years setting. Nutrition during early childhood is essential for growth and development, health and well-being of young children. Furthermore, early food experiences have an important impact on eating patterns in adult life and contribute to long-term health and chronic disease risk."A healthy diet is vital for growth and development. While it can sometimes seem that children don't like anything 'good for them', healthy habits do start young - and, reassuringly, will be remembered in later years." (Burney, 1997: 36)

Introduction.
Planning for the food provision for children under five years of age.
1. Basic nutritional needs of preschool children.
2. Small frequent meals and snacks.
Encouragement to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
As personal experience.
The effect of nutrition on children's emotional and mental well-being.
1. High energy requirements among children.
The problem of obesity.
1. Obesity and an underlying medical problem.
2. Appropriate school lunches and snacks.
3. Advising parents and children.
Family meal :Children's mental and physical well-being.
The implementation of the government initiatives.
Conclusion.
Bibliography.

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[...] Jacobson, M., (2000) Food Affects Mothering, July-August, pp48- 52 Holt,K,, Sofka, D (2002) Bright Futures in Practice: Nutrition. 2nd Edition, Arlington Perry Story Lytle L Promoting healthy dietary behaviours. PANN: Cheltenham Piercy, H., Hargate, M. (2004) Social Research on the under-16s, Journal of Child Health Care, Dec Vol.8, No pp. 253-263. Strasburger, V Children and TV advertising: nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Journal of Development and Behaviour, vol. 22:185-187 Thompson, C.Shelly, E. (2003) Overcoming Child Obesity, Bull Publishing Tansey, G. & Worsley, T. (1999) The Food System: A Guide, Earthscan Publications Limited: Bristol White, [...]

[...] The researched argues that “malnourished children are less likely to repel otherwise preventable infections and diseases, because their immune systems are weakened by deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals.” (Griggs and Van Straten, 2001: 97) Nutrition has a crucial effect on children's emotional and mental well- being. Being in good health means more than simply being free from physical disease. It involves balance in the mental, social and emotional aspects of young children's lives. Mental health problems such as ADD, ADHD and anxiety are common in early years settings. [...]

[...] CONCLUSION The research confirmed that promoting healthy lunches in schools has a significant value in preventing early childhood obesity and raising awareness of both children and their parents of the importance of healthy eating. Numerous studies show that food habits learned in early life persist for years. As the research showed, pressure of work, changes in lifestyle, food industry advertising and a lack of food education have led to a culture in which few families sit down together for traditional meals. [...]

[...] Considering the age of children it is important to remember that “what constitutes a portion for a pre-school child is different from an adult portion, roughly speaking it is what fits in a hand.” (ibid.) If a child is growing well and displays a good appetite for a variety of foods, semi-skimmed milk can be introduced from the age of 2 years. It can be introduced into meals and dishes first, such as on cereal or in white sauces to fit in with family life, before being offered as a drink, so that the transition is gradual. [...]

[...] The surprising finding in this study is that the increases in the prevalence of obesity are occurring among such young children.” The research revealed that helping young children to achieve and maintain a healthy weight involves a threefold approach that encourages them firstly, to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet; secondly, to make changes to eating habits, and finally, to reduce physical inactivity. In relation to these points appropriate school lunches and snacks can be considered an important part of a young child's overall balanced diet and as one of the ways of preventing obesity. [...]

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