Food and Nutrition

Good Nutrition is good for all age groups.  The importance of good nutrition in the younger years, from infancy to preschool years, is to build good health and balanced eating habits for the rest of their lives. Development is the focal point of eating healthy balanced meals. What babies, toddlers and preschoolers eat has to support development. The MyPyramid for Kids Food Guidance system was introduce in 2005 to help individualized daily intake and help make better food choices (Robertson, 2010, p. 218-219). The MyPyramid for Kids was created for 6-11 year old, but can be used for children that are younger (Robertson, 2010, p. 218).

 Infants should have carbohydrates. One of the categories of MyPyramid is milk which can provide carbohydrates that is needed for energy for the central nervous system (Robertson, 2010, p. 236). Even through fat need to be monitored it is important that there is an intake of fat as recommended by MyPyramid for Kids in order to support growth in the brain. Toddlers are starting to receive more variety food intake than do infants, but recommendation should be followed according to MyPyramid for Kids guidelines. One area that has been recommended to limit children is on fats. “The system suggests that children limit their intake of solid fats such as butter, stick margarine, shortening, and lard” (Robertson, 2010, p. 237). In other words, healthier choice of fat should be made since it is good to regulate metabolism of cholesterol (Robertson, 2010, p. 237).

Preschoolers are at an age where many foods are a new experience for them and with much more variety to chose from they are also recommended to follow MyPyramid for Kids. In the grain category 6 ounces include in it 3 ounces of whole grain that includes the bran and germ is a daily recommendation for dietary fiber that is needed (Robertson, 2010, p. 219). Two and half cups of vegetable are needed from the dark green and orange, dry bean, peas and starchy subcategories (Robertson, 2010, p. 221). Fruit serving recommended is one and half cups.

Milk is good for its calcium which support healthy teeth and bone growth, but the intake of it should be low-fat or fat free. The meat and bean group is the choice for their protein (Robertson, 2010, p. 223). It is recommended that fish, beans, peas and seeds be the main intake in this part of the system, but if meat is being consumed, leaner meats would be best for less fat. Oils from fish, seeds and nuts are also a healthier choice for intake (Robertson, 2010, p. 223).

Adults can take these recommendations to consideration to help children grow up in an environment that eating habits are healthy. They should not only tell children what to eat, but actively being participators of eating health often teaches best by example. It is through practice and observation that children learn (Robertson, 2010, p. 324). Teachers should take the time to go over MyPyramid for Kids recommendations to teach and with repetition they will understand why is healthy eating is important (Robertson, 2010, p. 324). The following are some recipes that are fun and kid friendly, where children can participate in preparation.

For breakfast:

Breakfast Surprise Cereal

2 cups cooked oatmeal
2 apples (1-1/2 cups), diced
3/4 cup nuts, chopped
3/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup honey or sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400�F. Combine all ingredients in a lightly greased or sprayed casserole. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm with low-fat milk.

*Adapted from: Joanie Huggins, Out of the Sugar Rut.

For a snack or breakfast provided by University of Illinois Extensions:

Green Eggs and Ham

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
1 Tablespoons chopped green peppers (optional)
¼ cup chopped ham
4 eggs
1 Tablespoon low-fat milk
¼ cup chopped spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a skillet. Add green onions, green
peppers and ham, sauté. Beat eggs and milk together and add to the vegetables mixture. Stir in spinach. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture constantly until eggs are set. Makes 4 servings.

This is a good snack or meal when reading Dr. Seuss’s book Green Eggs and Ham.

On a personal note by not including all the egg yolk can help control cholesterol.

A snack by Fiona Haynes:

Low-Fat Yogurt-Granola Parfait

Ingredients:

·         1 cup sliced strawberries

·         1 large sliced banana

·         2 cups low fat vanilla or strawberry yogurt

·         2 cups low fat granola

Preparation:

In four glasses or goblets, alternately layer strawberries, yogurt, granola, and banana, finishing with a light sprinkling of granola on top, with a few slivers of strawberry for garnish. Chill or eat immediately. Serves 4.

            What can an adult say to children to make these a fun activity with the children? Just telling them to come is an invitation they do not refuse. With safety precaution they can help prepare and season the food as you guide. Children are eager to be in the kitchen to help.

References

Fiona Haynes (2011). Low Fat Yogurt-Granola Parfait. About .com. Retrieved October 03, 2011 from http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/breakfastandlunch/r/Yogranolaparfai.htm

Robertson, C. (2010). Safety, Nutrition, and Health in Early Education (4th ed). Belmont: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning

University of Illinois Extensions (2011). Food for Thought: Ideas for Parents of Preschoolers. Retrieved October 03, 2011 from http://urbanext.illinois.edu/foodforthought/0201.html

University of Illinois Extensions (2011). Food for Thought: Ideas for Parents of Preschoolers. Retrieved October 03, 2011 from http://urbanext.illinois.edu/foodforthought/0302.html