The basic ideas of nutrition are no different for children or adults; each of them needs nutrients, which are essential components such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
However, the difference between adults and children is in the quantity, and the appropriate quantity for a child is determined according to his age.
The most common cause of growth problems in the world is malnutrition, the main reason for which is a lack of nutrients and protein in the child’s body. This is not the only reason, but there are other reasons, including hormonal disorders, anemia, and genetic diseases.
Choosing a diet that helps a child grow and develop depends on the type of food chosen. At this stage, the child needs nutritious foods that do not contain any sugar, fat, or salt. Therefore, the mother should feed the child nutritious elements such as:
Vegetables :
They are important foods and can be offered to the child in different and varied ways, whether fresh or frozen. However, if the mother decides to choose fresh vegetables, it is advisable to look for low-sodium vegetables.
Fruit :
Make sure your child eats a variety of natural fruits, not artificial ones.
Protein :
Choose seafood, chicken, and meats that are fat-free for your child.
The Saudi Ministry of Health pointed to some methods that help a child grow without losing weight, the goal of which is to maintain a stable weight for the child until their height increases. These methods are:
1 - Reduce the amount of sugar in drinks
2- Avoid feeding the child fruit immediately after a meal
3 - Eat only one type of carbohydrate per meal
4 - Use low-fat dairy products
5 - Dealing carefully with the overweight child psychologically
6 - Allow the child to have their favorite foods only once or twice a week.
Nutrition in childhood is crucial to a child's health and development because it directly affects the body and mind, as well as growth, and helps to strengthen the immune system and improve overall health.
The most difficult feeding period for your child is between the ages of one and three, and the mother cannot set a specific diet for him, because the developmental changes at that stage affect him and lead to an impact on his appetite.
How does malnutrition affect a child?
Putting your child on a diet reduces many health risks. Children who do not have a specific diet and eat too much fat, sugar, and carbohydrates are at a high risk of obesity, which leads to many health problems such as high blood pressure.
In addition, malnutrition causes some psychological problems in the child, and on the other hand, it leads to problems in the digestive system, osteoporosis, and some heart diseases.
Some children who overindulge in a variety of foods may become tired and fatigued, which may lead to depression.
How can I create a diet plan for my child?
Stanford Children's Hospital offered some advice, the most important of which is to avoid clashing with the child over meals and food, but parents should offer snacks regularly throughout the day, because children are difficult to persuade to eat a particular food.
It is possible to involve the child in choosing foods with you when you are at the supermarket or even while choosing the next day’s food from the home refrigerator. This method builds nutritional value with your child, explains its benefits, and how it can help him build the body.
What are the benefits of healthy eating for a child?
Eating healthy helps your child reach and maintain an ideal body weight, and reduces the risk of health conditions such as high blood pressure, iron deficiency, and tooth decay.
What is the appropriate nutrition for a child before entering school?
Children's desire to eat food increases during that period, which is normal given their daily routine and the effort they exert during the day. However, mothers are advised to pay attention during that period to calcium in order to build the body properly and develop bones and teeth.
It is also advisable during that period to increase the child's encouragement to eat fruits and vegetables instead of fast food or unhealthy meals.
Finally, it is recommended that your child drink water throughout the day, and there is no ideal amount for him to drink. Proper nutrition will help him prevent chronic diseases and promote physical activity. Parents should provide healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals that contain all the nutrients necessary for his growth.