Brain development in children begins in the womb and continues until adolescence. The fastest time for brain development is in the first 2-3 years. Nutrition has a very important place in supporting rapid growth.
Exclusive breast milk is very important for the first 6 months. All nutritional elements for the baby's brain development are present in mother's milk. Both physical and cognitive development should be supported by continuing with the right supplementary foods from 6 months onwards, and by feeding them adequate and balanced nutrition when they reach the age of 1.
Children who consume less than four meals a day need to consume less energy, calcium, It has been observed that they have insufficient intake of protein, vitamin C and iron. For this reason, what children eat in the morning, lunch and evening main meals should be monitored.
For snacks, foods such as milk, buttermilk, fruit, cheese and bread should be given instead of junk food.
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Consumption of foods such as candy during snacks may cause tooth decay in children at an early age.
Regardless of age, children need the same nutrients as adults. Just like adults
, they also obtain energy from food and their energy needs are proportional to their body weight.
The child can be offered options from each food group. For example, if he does not drink milk, he can consume yoghurt.
If he does not eat bread, he can consume rice-pasta.
The amounts in the daily recommended food groups for children are as follows;
Milk group: 2 portions (1 glass of milk: 1 portion, 4 tablespoons of yoghurt: 1 portion)
Meat group: 2 portions (meat equal to 1 meatball: 1 portion, 1 slice of cheese: 1 portion)
Vegetables and fruit group: 5 portions (1oo g fruit: 1 portion, 4 tablespoons of vegetable food: 1
portion)
Bread and cereal group: 3-6 portions (1 slice of bread (25 g): 1 portion, 3 tablespoons of rice-
pasta: 1 portion)
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