Nutrition during the school period supports the physiological, social and emotional development of growing children. “The eating habits acquired during this period prevent nutritional problems that may occur in the future and contribute to school success,” said Dietitian Yıldız Melek Aksoylu. ”In order to support the learning of children going to school, it should be ensured that they start the day not with bagels, pastries, pastries, but with eggs, cheese, olives or protein-heavy soups.”
With the opening of schools, children's diets are being reshaped. Stating that the food in children's lunchboxes should be prepared at home for a healthy and balanced diet, Dyt. Yıldız Melek Aksoylu said, “A healthy lunchbox should contain at least one type of food from each food group. For example; dairy products, fruits and vegetables and meat group foods should be included. As the variety of food in the lunchbox increases, children are encouraged to consume their meals completely.”
Vegetables and fruits should be placed with their peels without being chopped
Stating that milk and dairy products are indispensable for a healthy lunchbox, Dyt. Yıldız Melek Aksoylu said, “This group, which includes foods made from milk such as milk, yogurt and cheese, is an important source of many nutrients, especially quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12. Foods in the dairy group are very important for the continuity of bone and dental health in children.”
Dyt. Aksoylu emphasized that vegetables and fruits should not be skipped in nutrition and said the following:
“Vegetables and fruits are a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are friends of intestinal health and excretory system. A person with poor intestinal health cannot have good body health. When not enough fiber is taken, constipation problems begin. There is a significant difference between consuming only meatballs and pasta and consuming meatballs, pasta and salad. Children should definitely consume fruits and vegetables to meet their vitamin needs. Sandwiches can be enriched with vegetables such as tomatoes and carrots. Fruit should also be included in the lunchbox. Vegetables and fruits should be placed in the bag with their peels, without chopping them, so that they do not lose their vitamins.”
Eating outside the home determines eating habits
Stating that the nutritional habits acquired at school age support the physiological, social and emotional development of children, Dyt. Yıldız Melek Aksoylu said, “The eating habits acquired during this period prevent nutritional problems that may occur in the child and contribute to school success. For this reason, families should pay close attention to their children's eating habits.”
Breads with jam, honey and breakfast cereals should be avoided
Underlining that especially breakfast meal has a very important place in the nutrition of school-age children, Dyt. Aksoylu said, “Carbohydrate-heavy, protein-poor breakfasts in children reduce their learning abilities. Breads with jam-honey-chocolate, one type of bagel-pastry-brioche and breakfast cereals should be avoided. In addition to eggs and cheese, which are the most important foods at breakfast, healthy fats such as olives, nuts and avocado, and seasonal vegetables can be preferred. Children who do not like breakfast can start the day with protein-heavy soups (chicken broth, broth, legume soups).”
Children should eat with the family, not alone at home
“Including Omega 3 sources in the diet of school-age children increases immunity in the body, strengthens the mind and increases the ability to understand,” said Dyt. Aksoylu emphasized that fish, nuts, eggs and green vegetables, which are the best sources of Omega 3, should be included in the diet.
Stating that the process of teaching healthy eating habits to children can be challenging, Dyt. Yıldız Melek Aksoylu said, “You can try to be a role model for your children to make the adaptation process simpler. It will be more encouraging for the child to eat together with the family rather than feeding the food alone. Thus, the child will eat voluntarily without feeling any difficulty.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240927AW296189