Kick Start Kiddy Health in 2015
In Ireland 1:4 children have nutritional issues. Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. So what can we do?
I spoke with Neal Murphy who will be running a Family & Child Nutrition Clinic in Tralee.
Neal how can we in engender good eating habits in children?
School age is the perfect time for children to learn about healthy food and activity, as they start a busy social life, have pocket money and begin to help choose their own lifestyle. Children of this age learn quickly and are also influenced by their friends and popular trends. Children need a wide variety of foods for a well-balanced diet. The amount of physical activity they have in a day will be an important part of how much they need to eat. Some children of this age are still fussy, but, when busy and active, snacking is important to keep energy levels high. A healthy morning snack at break time and one after school are usually needed each day.
The following simple points should be considered when planning a healthy eating programme.
• Good nutrition is essential for school children. They need to receive a sound understanding about why a variety of food is important for their optimum growth, development and health.
• They should be encouraged to have practical experience in preparing their own lunches and meals.
• A positive attitude to food should be encouraged. Children should enjoy their food. It is important to
communicate the message that all foods have a place in a balanced diet. Foods should not be labelled as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Food should never be used as a reward.
• Research suggests that the provision of nutritious school food enhances not only the child’s health but also allows the child to take full advantage of the education provided by improving attention levels and concentration spans.
• Schools should be encouraged to develop their own policy on healthy eating. Children’s appetites vary with age and according to times of accelerated growth, therefore, it is important that the food intake of school children should not be limited unnecessarily. Children need energy and nutrients to fulfil growth needs and requirements for everyday activities.
• Children may need three meals and three snacks each day to ensure that their appetite and energy needs are met. The size of meals and the number of snacks required will depend on the child’s age and stage of development.
• Physical activity is integral to any healthy eating programme, and hence should also be promoted and
encouraged.
• Involving teachers, parents and older children (each important role models) in any healthy eating training will ensure that children receive consistent messages both at home and at school.
