Parizad Batty-Avari
EYE11-3.5 Explain strategies to encourage healthy eating
Children up to the age of 5 years are undergoing a period of rapid growth in the muscles, body tissues and the development of the brain. Their food and nutritional needs differ markedly from those of babies, older children and adults and as well as growth and development are affected by increasing activity levels and a relatively small stomach capacity. This means that a large range of vital nutrients have to be included within the smaller volumes of food they consume. An appropriate diet and approach to food issues are important factors in preventing many health and development problems in young children and in their future including obesity, faltering growth and stunting, iron deficiency, specific nutrient …show more content…
They feel empowered when they are allowed to do things themselves. When they are allowed to choose healthy foods and serve themselves, they are more likely to try out more new foods. They are also likely to learn to stop eating when they feel full. Offer a suitable base meal, like rice and beans, whole wheat tortillas or lean ground taco meat. Then let kids (and adults) dress it up with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, cheese, salsa, jicama, parsley, peppers and other toppings. You might also try a pasta bar with a variety of healthy sauces. Kids like choices at snack time too, so consider packing an insulated lunch bag full of good snacks so they can make their own smart choices.

Presentation: Kids may be picky eaters, but how we present the food to them makes a huge difference in the food they will choose to eat. Before we actually take a bite of food, we start eating with our eyes. They tell our brain what it will taste like via a whole series of learned and natural responses and we taste what we think we should. An attractive presentation (of healthy foods) interests the children to try out the