Nutritional Requirements 1-2 Years

Parizad Batty Avari

EYE11-3.4 Discuss the nutritional requirements of children aged:

• 1-2 years

• 2-3 years

• 3-5 years

• 5-7 years

Diet has a huge impact on a child’s growth and development; therefore, it is essential that one understands their nutritional needs and caters for them. Children need a range of healthy foods that include a portion of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, dairy and a small amount of fat every day. Children need portions that are in proportion to their age and height. As children grow their nutritional requirements vary as they need more energy and that comes slightly larger portion sizes.

It is recommended that all individuals should consume a diet that contains:

• Plenty of starchy foods such as rice,

A 1-2 year old needs 3 meals a day plus nutritional snacks. (A small baked potato with melted reduced-fat cheese, Apple slices with string cheese or peanut butter- after consulting the pediatrician if one is concerned and especially if food allergies run in the family, Crinkle-cut carrot “chips” with hummus, Whole-wheat pita-bread triangles or baked wheat crackers, Whole-wheat pita-bread triangles or baked wheat crackers, Cucumbers, Yogurt smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, milk and any fruit, etc.)

Full fat milk and dairy should be offered but not more than 400 ml a day.

Vitamin D supplements are essential.

Five portions or tastes of fruits and vegetables a day.

Age 2-3 Years: Approximate energy requirement in calories is about 1,230 kcal.

A 2-3 years old needs 3 meals a day plus nutritional snacks.

If children are not underweight, semi-skimmed milk and low-fat products should be offered but not more than 350 ml a

- Limit added sugars. Naturally occurring sugars, such as those in fruit and milk, are not added sugars. Examples of added sugars include brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, honey and others.

- Ready to drink cartons of juices or squash – as these are high in calories and are acidic, which causes tooth decay.

- Foods that are made for adults, e.g. sports drink, weight loss food or to reduce cholesterol such as special margarines and caffeinated drinks.

- Limit saturated fats — fats that mainly come from animal sources of food, such as red meat, poultry and full-fat dairy products. Look for ways to replace saturated fats with vegetable and nut oils, which provide essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Healthier fats are also naturally present in olives, nuts, avocados and seafood. Limit trans fats by avoiding foods that contain partially hydrogenated oil.

- Chilled food, ready meals and take-away meals as they are high in salt and fat.

- Crisps and savory snacks as these are very high in salt content and are not nutritious. They contain empty calories that could be harmful to one’s health.

- Bran and high-fibre foods as they fill children up too