Good nutrition is of paramount importance for developing children. Thus, parents and early education professionals should take every step both imaginable and possible to ensure that children have proper nutrition. This post will address the importance of good nutrition, and will also examine its impact on the growth and development of children of various ages.
Infants
Infancy is a time of innocence and of novelty. Thus, good nutrition is important for infants because the consumption of particular foods during this time of life set the stage, so to speak, for the rest of the child’s life (Robertson, 2011). In fact, “during infancy, a baby begins to learn to use his senses. His muscles begin to develop. He begins to communicate, and connections in his brain form. Proper nutrition is a key to all these exciting changes. Good nutrition helps a baby to be bright and alert and interested in the world.
” (SERVE, 2012).
Infancy is a time of innocence and of novelty. Thus, good nutrition is important for infants because the consumption of particular foods during this time of life set the stage, so to speak, for the rest of the child’s life (Robertson, 2011). In fact, “during infancy, a baby begins to learn to use his senses. His muscles begin to develop. He begins to communicate, and connections in his brain form. Proper nutrition is a key to all these exciting changes. Good nutrition helps a baby to be bright and alert and interested in the world.
” (SERVE, 2012).
Toddlers
Toddlers are a precocious bunch. Thus, parents and teachers should see to it that toddlers retain all of the energy that is so representative of this age. According to Fox, “…toddlers grow rapidly, and it's important that they get the best nutrition possible during this time. Their brains develop quickly, and their bodies gain strength to be able to walk, run and play. Proper nutrition will help ensure that … toddler[s] get the best start in life” (Fox, 2011).
Toddlers are a precocious bunch. Thus, parents and teachers should see to it that toddlers retain all of the energy that is so representative of this age. According to Fox, “…toddlers grow rapidly, and it's important that they get the best nutrition possible during this time. Their brains develop quickly, and their bodies gain strength to be able to walk, run and play. Proper nutrition will help ensure that … toddler[s] get the best start in life” (Fox, 2011).
Preschoolers
Though preschoolers are much more independent than infants and toddlers, they grow more slowly than members of the other two age groups. Also, according to Martin and Kern, “attitudes and habits formed during preschool years are likely to be carried into the future” (Martin and Kern, 1992).
Why adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits
Adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits because refusal to do so may result in poor health for the child. Examples include obesity, Type II diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Another reason that adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits is that “providing a pleasant eating environment helps set the stage for good nutritional habits” (Robertson, 2011). Children who have good nutrition are more likely to grow into nutritious-conscious adults.
How can this be accomplished?
Adults can help children develop healthy eating habits by modeling “appropriate food behaviors and [by choosing] healthy options” (Roberston, 2011). Another way adults can help children develop healthy eating habits is by heavily reducing the amount of junk food in their diets.
RECIPES
1. Apple CartwheelsThis snack is low-calorie and has protein and fiber
•1/4 cup peanut butter
•1-1/2 teaspoons honey
•1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
•2 tablespoons raisins
•4 medium unpeeled Red Delicious apples, cored
•In a small bowl, combine peanut butter and honey; fold in chocolate chips and raisins.
•Fill centers of apples with peanut butter mixture; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cut into 1/4-in. rings. Yield: about 2 dozen.
"Apple Cartwheels." Taste of Home Oct. 2001: 40-41. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Apple-Cartwheels>.
2. Silver Dollar Oat PancakesThis meal is diabetic-friendly, has lots of fiber, and 6 grams of protein.
•1/2 cup all-purpose flour
•1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
•1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
•1 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1 egg
•3/4 cup buttermilk
•1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce
•2 tablespoons butter, melted
•Maple syrup or topping of your choice
•In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk, applesauce and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
•Pour batter by 2 tablespoonfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until second side is golden brown. Serve with syrup. Yield: 4 servings.
"Silver Dollar Oat Pancakes." Taste of Home Oct. 2008: 26-27. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Silver-Dollar-Oat-Pancakes>.
3. Tender Chicken NuggetsThis meal is diabetic-friendly, has few calories, and has a whopping 30 grams of protein!
• 2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
•2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
•1 egg white
•1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
•In a large resealable plastic bag, combine bread crumbs and cheese. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg white. Dip chicken pieces in egg white, then place in bag and shake to coat.
•Place in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until no longer pink, turning once. Yield: 4 servings.
"Tender Chicken Nuggets." Taste of Home Feb. 2003: 60-61. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Tender-Chicken-Nuggets-2>.
Works Cited
"Apple Cartwheels." Taste of Home Oct. 2001: 40-41. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Apple-Cartwheels>.
Fox, April. "Proper Nutrition for Infants & Toddlers." Family Health. Livestrong, 25 July 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/501032-proper-nutrition-for-infants-toddlers/>.
"Infants: Growth and Development." About Child Development. Serve Center, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://center.serve.org/ss/infantsnutrition.php>.
Martin, H. D. and Charlotte Kern. (1992). *Nutrition for the preschool child.* Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.
"Obesity In Children And Teens." Facts for Familes. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2012. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. <http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children_and_teens>.
"Silver Dollar Oat Pancakes." Taste of Home Oct. 2008: 26-27. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Silver-Dollar-Oat-Pancakes>.
Stapley, Desiree. "Role of Nutrition in Learning and Behavior: A Resource List for Professionals." Food and Nutrition Information Center. Agricultural Research Service, USDA National Agricultural Library, Aug. 2011. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/learning.pdf>.
"Tender Chicken Nuggets." Taste of Home Feb. 2003: 60-61. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Tender-Chicken-Nuggets-2>.
I agree when you say that toddlers are precocious bunch. They are also very curious and absorb their surroundings like sponges. They need to feel independent and part of the cooking adventure. I have found that including children in cooking experiences is very rewarding and they understand the importance of vitamins and minerals. I also enjoyed reading your recipes.
ReplyDeleteStarting children off with healthy eating habits in the hopes that they will continue as they get older is a great idea and the younger the better. Great post and the ideas for snacks were very creative and helpful. Thank you.
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