Healthy nutrition is a term that includes both adequate and balanced nutrition and safe food concepts. Physical, emotional, social development and school success/attendance are positively affected by healthy nutrition in children in this age group, and it is also possible to be protected from some nutrition-related chronic diseases by acquiring correct nutritional habits that form the basis for adulthood.
School. Age is a period in which the child consciously enters social life for the first time and the time spent outside the home becomes longer and longer. Therefore, nutrition for children of this age; It takes place at home, at school and outside home/school. In children who have not developed proper eating habits, the risks of nutrition-related diseases increase due to frequent skipping meals, unhealthy food choices, and the spread of unbalanced one-way nutrition, and the cost of nutrition increases. In our country, school-age children suffer from obesity-underweight, stunting (short height for age), bone/dental health disorders, especially iron deficiency anemia, as well as other minerals (calcium, iodine and zinc) and vitamins (vitamin D, vitamin B) due to inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. etc.) deficiencies can be observed.
Nutrition in school-age children varies depending on age, gender and physical activity, but is different from adults due to the acceleration in growth and development. In order to contribute positively to growth and development, energy and nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals) should be taken in sufficient amounts daily according to age group and gender.
Healthy and balanced nutrition recommendations for children
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Children should definitely acquire the habit of breakfast.
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Eat food from 4 basic food groups (milk and dairy products, meat) at each meal. and meat products, fruits and vegetables, grain group) should be consumed.
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The habit of drinking at least 2 glasses of milk a day should be acquired.
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At least 5 portions of vegetables and fruits should be consumed a day.
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Freshly squeezed fruit juices, milk or ayran should be preferred instead of tea and carbonated drinks.
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Children ok Awareness should be raised about not consuming unhealthy foods that are sold openly around the city, have low nutritional value and are unhealthy.
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Children should not be stubborn about food, and they should be provided with adequate and balanced nutrition when they are hungry.
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Children who do not have meals at school should be careful to take a lunchbox from home, and their lunchboxes should be cleaned thoroughly every day.
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The height and weight of the children should be taken into consideration and followed.
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8-10 glasses of liquid should be consumed a day.
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Clean and germ-free foods should be consumed, raw vegetables and fruits should not be eaten without washing them with plenty of water. Openly sold foods should not be consumed.
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Children should be taught the habit of washing their hands before and after meals.
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The habit of exercising regularly should be gained. .
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