Child Nutrition: Needs, Habits, and Common Issues

Understanding Diet and Nutrition

Diet refers to the voluntary processes involved in choosing, preparing, and eating food, often influenced by affective factors. It is also a branch of medicine studying nutritional regimens.

Factors Influencing Diet

• Age
• Personal circumstances
• Type of activity
• Presence of disease

What is Nutrition?

Nutrition involves the exchange of matter and energy that every living being needs from the external environment to carry out life activities.

Key Nutrients

Nutrients are the components of food:

• Proteins
• Lipids (Fats)
• Minerals
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins
• Water

Balanced Diets and Menu Planning

A balanced supply involves consuming nutrients in the most suitable proportions and distributing them according to individual characteristics and needs.

Food Group Classification

• Milk and dairy products
• Vegetables
• Meat, fish, eggs
• Fruits
• Oils and butter
• Legumes and nuts
• Tubers
• Cereals

Menu Planning Tips

• Collaborate within the family.
• Include all food groups.
• Consider individual needs.
• Distribute calories appropriately throughout the day.
• Introduce new foods gradually.

Common Food-Related Errors and Disorders

Potential Errors

• Misinterpreting crying as solely a request for food.
• Lack of regular meal times (e.g., poor breakfast habits).
• Moving away from balanced dietary patterns (like the Mediterranean diet).
• Wasting food or skipping feedings.

Eating Disorders and Issues

• Anorexia: Apathy towards food or an abnormal lack of appetite.
• Bulimia: Characterized by cycles potentially involving binge eating and compensatory behaviors.
• Obesity: An excessive accumulation of body fat due to metabolic processes, relative to norms for age, sex, and height.
• Pica: Persistent eating of non-nutritive substances.
• Rumination Disorder: Repeated regurgitation of food.

The Educator's Role in Nutrition Education

Mealtimes are valuable teachable moments. The teacher should approach food and nutrition education creatively.

Classroom Activities

Teachers and children can stage scenarios or decorate the classroom with pictures related to food, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Resource Mobilization

The educator should utilize available resources effectively.

Guidelines for Educators

• Select appropriate teaching tasks.
• Avoid overly restricting children's eating habits.
• Establish a climate of affection and dialogue.
• Ensure the mealtime hour is pleasant and not stressful.

Creating Positive Mealtime Experiences

Establish a climate of dialogue during meals. These moments provide privileged opportunities for learning.

Mealtimes can be leveraged for learning:

• Cognitive content
• Procedural skills (e.g., using utensils)
• Attitudinal development (e.g., trying new foods)

Addressing Parental Concerns

Regarding children's eating disorders or supply issues, it's important to reassure parents, especially if there is no underlying pathological abnormality.