Post 4

Summarize why good nutrition and eating habits are so important to children in each age group. Cite evidence from Chapter 6 in your text and/or other resources to support your claims.

            Good nutrition and eating habits are so important with kids of all ages and adults too. " Good nutrition in the school age years leads to improved academic performance and helps build lifelong eating habits that contribute to a student's overall well being." http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/NutritionForAll.aspx 

Children follow the examples of others especially adults so if we can set up good eating habits then children will have good eating habits. By adding more fruits and veggies in your diet it can help with certain diseases. Having babies eating by breast milk is healthier, then when they are allow to have them eat veggies first because fruits are sweeter. Then add in fruits but still making sure they are getting veggies. This will help children to grow.

            For preschoolers they need to have a healthy diet so letting them choose on how much to eat is best. Offer healthy choices. "Many teens may also be more active than other age groups, especially if they are playing on sports teams or exercising regularly. This exercise and activity is an important part of a teen’s health, so it is crucial that their bodies are provided with the necessary nutrients." http://www.eatinghealthy.org/diets/age-group/adolescents

Refer to Chapter 8 in your course text and explain why adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits and at least two ways this can be accomplished.

            We are the role models of children, they tend to soak up everything we do, say and practice. So they learn by watching us. If they see us eating healthy and exercising the children will be more likely to eat healthy and exercise too. In our center one way we try to get the children to eat healthy is talking about good food vs. bad food. We do nutrition activities and have the children taste "new" things. Everyone is encourage to try the new food by taking at least three bites. Most of the children will do this and then we talk about it. We then give the parents the activity we did and encourage them to try it at home with the children. In my own home I have replaced all unhealthy snacks with snacks like carrots, celery, apples, bananas and just more fruits and veggies. My children have seen me and my husband eat more healthy and are choosing healthier items even when we go to the store to grab a bite. It's amazing how much they pick up by watching what we do.

Provide three nutritious recipes that family members can prepare with preschoolers and explain the nutritional value of each. (To locate recipes, look through the various suggested Web sites or do research as needed.) Offer strategies and suggestions to make cooking together an enjoyable learning experience for children.

            The first one is a fruit kabob. This is simple and easy. First have the children pick the kind of fruit they want and go get them at the store. Then to prepare it you have the children wash the fruits. You will need skewers, and a knife (with help of adult). Cut the fruit into pieces, and then have the children put them onto the skewers in whichever order they would like. Then have them enjoy it. The Nutritional value on this is it is only about 130-150 calories (depending on the fruit you use). It is low in sugar, fat, cholesterol and is a great afterschool snack.

            The second is a breakfast burrito. This is what is needed for it,

1/2 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/4 cup canned corn
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 flour tortilla, 6 inches in diameter
2 tablespoons salsa

Of course you don't need to have the onions. You cook the veggies first until they are soft and the moisture is evaporated. Then add in the egg substitute. Scramble the eggs for about 3 minutes and then add to tortilla and serve. This is healthier because you eliminate the fat by not having eggs and meat in it. This is the nutritious value it has 231 calories, total fat 5g, sodium 519mg.

            The third one is quesadillas. This is simple and fun. The only ingredients you really need is tortilla and cheese. To give it a little bit of more flavor you can add in some veggies like bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Warm up the tortilla then add cheese and veggies. Then cook on one side and turn over and cook on the other side (until cheese is melted). Be careful it may be hot. Serve and eat. This is about `100 calories, and about 3g fat.

            Let the children cut up the fruit, veggies and help in anyway. They can stir the veggies and add the eggs. Letting them add food and simple things will also help in having the children enjoy the food. They can add the little things and with help of an adult cut food up. Children enjoy to help so involving them is important.