NUTRITIONAL NEEDS (#4)

Nutritional Needs and Eating Habits

Childhood is a time of critical growth in which proper nutrition is necessary. It is crucial for an infant’s development from birth to six months to receive proper nutrition from breast milk or formula due to their organs inability to digest solid foods. Even infants can communicate when they are hungry or full through grunting, fussing, spitting out milk/formula, or even falling asleep (Robertson, 2016). 

Children who have poor diets, whether it’s because of a lack of food or because of patterns of eating that lead to inadequate intake of nutrients, are prone to significant short-term and long-term health impacts and diseases. Children afflicted by sustained poor nutrition are at greater risk for obesity, mental and emotional health problems, and a failure to thrive academically. (Robertson, 2016)

Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of obesity in children, a condition which can be very dangerous and lead to a lifetime of health complications. The children in families with insufficient access to nutritious foods are significantly more likely to be obese. This is the result of calorie intake of foods that have high levels of fat, sugar and sodium. This is especially true of children who regularly consume fast food. Once the groundwork for these habits is formed, children tend to perpetuate them. Obesity in children can lead to a variety of health problems, negative self-image, eating disorders. (Fleck)

Children who do not have access to proper nutrition are much more likely to suffer from psychological disorders, such as anxiety or learning disabilities. Children with poor nutrition are more likely to miss days of school and be required to repeat grades. When a child does not get the required amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for health, it could lead to lethargy, a lack of energy and a general failure to thrive. (Fleck)

Teachers should use role modeling and supervision methods to manage the practice of good nutrition. Every teacher should practice good nutrition in the early childhood education environment. Teachers should have nutritional policies that cover early infant feeding, food and the toddler, the preschool child, school-aged children, and children with special needs. Teachers should use participatory activities to help preschoolers develop an awareness of the best nutritional choices. Building a curriculum for children to help them understand about the importance of eating balanced diets can help them be more likely to understand, and provide them with the opportunities to expand their food acceptance patterns. They should work with families for greater nutritional awareness so that children can have the same protective factors at school and at home. (Robertson, 2016)

Cooking and eating can be a fun family experience. Involving your children in the kitchen will empower them to prepare fresh and healthy food for themselves when they move out on their own as young adults. (Workman, 2017)

Here are three kid friendly nutritious recipes that do not have to be separated at the breakfast or dinner table from everyone else. From adult food to kid food, these recipes appeal to everyone in the family.

Eggs in the Basket is our first recipe. Depending on the kid, you can play with the recipe’s nickname, for instance, “toad in the hole” can be a fun nickname to call it if you have a playful, outdoorsy type child.  But for squeamish kids, “eggs in a basket” is a perfect name for this dish. Any child should be able to help create this recipe by using a cookie-cutter to make a design in the center of the bread where the egg will be placed in and cooked. It's quick and easy and a fun way for you to surprise other family members with something a little special.

What You'll Need

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 large eggs
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

1.      Heat an electric griddle to 350 degrees or heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

2.      Place 1 teaspoon of butter on the griddle.

3.      Use a cookie cutter to cut out your favorite shape in the center of each piece of bread.

4.      Butter one side of each piece of bread, including the cutout pieces, with the remaining butter.

5.      Place the bread, butter side down on the griddle.

6.      Break one egg into a small dish. Gently slide it into the hole of one of the bread slices.

7.      Repeat with the remaining egg and bread slice.

8.      Cook until the egg is golden on the bottom, a minute or two. Gently flip to cook on the other side, about 1 minute.

9.      Flip the cutout pieces of toast to cook on the other side until toasted, another minute or so.

Place in a dinner plate and Serve immediately.

Let’s switch it up a bit and make Bugs on a Log. By substituting almond butter for peanut butter (or even sunflower butter for kids with nut allergies). Then get even more creative by topping them with all different kinds of delicious toppings such as raisins, dried cranberries ("ladybugs"), walnuts ("frogs"), coconut (“snow”), and more. Use your imagination have a blast making them with the kids. Let the kids come up with their own names for whatever they may choose to sprinkle on top of their logs. There's no end to the fun you can have no matter what your healthy "bugs" of choice are!

This recipe makes about 12 logs. Preparation time is next to nothing and since this a non-cook recipe, you can make it and eat it immediately. It is egg free, gluten free and dairy free when you use the base recipe. But remember, be creative and have fun inventing new ways to eat healthy.

What You'll Need

• 1/4 Cup almond butter (peanut, sunflower or cashew butter)
• 4 Celery Stalks

How to Make It

 

1. Cut celery into 3-inch logs.

2. Spread 1 teaspoon of almond butter into the logs until it is evenly distributed.
3. Top with desired toppings.
4. Eat and serve with a giggle

Fresh fruit is always a delicious breakfast, dessert, and snack choice. Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Cones are delicious and nutritious cones for kids of all ages. The can be served immediately after preparing or frozen for a great summer time treat. This great treat is only about 126 calories and you can use whatever fresh fruit you have on hand that is in season. Kids have a blast creating this easy to make treat for themselves. The ingredients below are enough for one serving.

What You'll Need

• 2 oz. vanilla yogurt
• 4 T. mixed fresh fruit
• 1 Keebler Ice Cream Waffle Cone

How to Make It

 

1. Fill a waffle cone with a spoon full of vanilla yogurt, then a layer of mixed fruit. Add another    spoonful of yogurt, then top it off with fruit.

2. Enjoy!.
3. FRESH FRUIT SUGGESTIONS: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sliced bananas, pineapple, mandarin oranges, kiwi and grapes.

WE need to make it easy for kid to understand what healthy choice snacks are. Make it a point to keep fruits and vegetables on hand for a ready to eat treat. Make sure snacks include low-fat yogurt, and sources of protein such as eggs, beans or leans meats. Try a tuna sandwich with sweet potatoes chips for a lunch. Strive for nutritious foods and make time to eat healthy with the whole family.

References

Fleck, A. (n.d.). Children With Poor Nutrition. Retrieved from Healthy Eating: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/children-poor-nutrition-6555.html

Robertson, C. (2016). Safety, nutrition, and health in early education (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Workman, K. (2017, October 03). 10 Fun and Easy Recipes for Kids. The Spruce.