(CNR) Childhood Nutritional Requirements Module Overview

Childhood Nutritional Requirements Module Overview

Introduction

Kids billboard Image Reads: Encourage Healthy Habits --Provide veggies, fruits, and whole grain products. --Include low-fat, or on-fat diary. --choose learn meats, poultry, fish, lentils & beans for protein. --Serve reasonably sized portions. --Limit sugar-sweetened drinks. --Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat. Remember--small changes every day lead to a recipe for success!1 in 3. This number represents the rate of childhood obesity in the United States. Large portion sizes, convenience foods, low physical activity, and increased use of technology have all contributed to this deadly trend. Food habits begin early in life. Some research even suggests food preferences may be influenced as early as in the mother's womb. The diet a pregnant mother consumes can contribute to the future diet of her unborn child. An active toddler can turn into an obese child quickly if he or she sits in front of the television and eats a lot of prepackaged food. The schools do play a positive role in this. Many schools are removing vending machines, flavored milk, dessert and other high calorie options. They are making lunch meals more well-rounded and healthy. However, some children are getting their main meals at school because their parents cannot afford to feed them at home. These children suffer from malnutrition due to lack of proper nutrients and low calorie intake. Either way, many of our children are not eating proper diets and these habits continue into adulthood.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in America. Obese children are turning into obese adults who are plagued with chronic diseases. Parents should provide plenty of fruits and vegetables at each meal and reduce the amount of meat and full fat dairy. Reducing the amount of prepackaged foods and high sugar items like cereal, candy, and soda can help as well. Schools are providing healthier options and are cutting back on sugar and fat laden foods. Malnutrition can be a side effect of an unhealthy diet. Children from low income families are at highest risk for this disease.

 

Essential Questions

  • How do the school nutrition programs provide healthy meals?
  • What are some causes of childhood obesity?
  • How can childhood obesity be prevented?
  • What type of foods contribute to this problem?
  • What is malnutrition?
  • What type of children are at highest risk for malnutrition?

 

Key Terms

  1. Obesity - 20% over ideal body weight
  2. Malnutrition - when the body does not receive vital nutrients and vitamins in the appropriate amounts
  3. School Nutrition Act - led to the provision of a meal for each child at school no matter the cost
  4. Portion Control - the appropriate amount of food, specific to age and gender
  5. Hunger - the sensation that the stomach is empty

 

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