In the infant age group, it is important for these children to get good nutrition because during these months the child is still developing rapidly. Brain stem and nerve endings are still forming; teeth and bones are still solidifying and forming; also, the infant will learn that through being held while bottle feeding or spoon fed by a trusted adult that meal times are important opportunities for interaction and energy for their body.
In the toddler age group, the child is learning what different foods are available and what their taste and texture is like. The child is learning its likes and dislikes from the foods that are prepared for him and will make life long connections to what it will chose later on at this stage. A toddler can learn that taking small amounts and tasting good nutritious foods can result in many new and favorite foods being available to them.
In the preschool group, children will learn what proper portions are and learn to dish them up for themselves. The habits formed here and choices they make will likely be life long. Teachers and parents can teach what foods are healthy and how they help their bodies to grow(pg. 215, Robertson,2010)
Adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits because adults are the best role models and teachers the child will have. Adults have the responsibility to teach good nutrition to the child and enable them to understand the good and bad about the foods they will eat. The adult can point out what foods help our bodies to grow strong and healthy and what foods will inhibit this.
Adults can teach through eating interactions at the table with their child. They can cook with their child nutritious and fun foods and explain the benefits of them. They could also show and explain the food pyramid to their child and help them to make it a part of their everyday food selections.
Peanut butter Celery Sticks: This is nutritious because it provides a food that most children love and it is packed full of protein. It pairs it with a water rich vegetable that is easy to prepare and fun to eat.
Pizza Wheels: This recipe offers plenty of nutritious ingredients and opportunities for counting, color recognition and shape recognition.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat English muffins
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice: sausage, pepperoni, chicken, ground turkey, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.
Fruit Salad: This is a fun, nutritious and colorful recipe that gets kids excited to prepare and eat. All ingredients should be fresh and children can help with the prep as well as identifying the fruits, how they are good for them and what color and shape they are.
Ingredients:
- Sliced apples
- Sliced bananas
- Sliced grapes
- Sliced strawberries
- Shredded coconut
- Sugar free cool whip
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