Eat Right, Grow StrongNutrition for Young Children

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

At the end of this workshop participants will be able to… Describe why good nutrition is so important to young

children. Explain in detail the components of a child care

environment that promote healthy eating. Describe the role of child care staff in helping shape

children’s eating behaviors. List some things staff can do in their classroom to

help children develop healthy eating behaviors.

Let’s Review... In Michigan, about 1 in 3 low-income children

ages 2-5 years are overweight or obese. Being overweight is a risk to physical and

mental health. Michigan children are in crisis. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity

contribute to weight gain. Healthy lifestyle behaviors are formed early in

life.

“For many children, child care serves as a home-away-from-home and has the potential to positively influence their health.”

University of North Carolina

BrainstormHow willing are children to

eat healthy foods?

Do you think parents are paying more or less

attention to healthy eating than they used to?

Children may receive between 50% and 75% of their daily calories at the child care facility.

Child care nutrition practices and policies can have widespread and long‐term impact on healthy child development.

Well fed, healthy children are better prepared to focus and learn in the classroom.

Healthy Eating in Child Care

What is “Healthy” Food?

Healthy Food and Beverages are nutrient rich:

• Colorful Fruits and Vegetables• Whole Grains• Low-fat Dairy• Beans and Legumes• Nuts• Lean meats

Fruits and Vegetables A variety of fruits and vegetables give

children vitamins and minerals that keep children healthy and help them grow.

100% fruit and vegetable juices are good but less nutritious and filling than the foods themselves.

Ways to get kids to LOVE their fruits and vegetables (or at least try them!)… Serve them creatively. Have a party for your senses. Incorporate them into lessons by

trying fruits and vegetables from different places around the world.

Set a good example.

Making Fruits and Vegetables Fun

Whole grains are a source of nutrients such as iron, magnesium, selenium, B vitamins, and dietary fiber.

Fiber aids digestion and helps children feel full. Try and incorporate high-fiber whole grain foods at least once every day.

People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.

Whole Grains

Most sausage, bacon, and hot dogs have a lot of fat, sodium, and calories.

French fries and chicken nuggets are also high in saturated fat and calories.

Look for lower fat baked options and serve the high fat versions less often.

Consider occasionally replacing meat with beans for a low fat option with lots of fiber and protein.

Lean Meats, Beans and Legumes

Beverages Water is the best choice for thirsty

children. Model good habits for the children by choosing water first.

Avoid soda and fruit drinks that are full of sugar and “empty calories” (few nutrients, many calories).

Serving low fat milk with meals and snacks provides calcium but doesn’t add many calories.

Beverage Myths Myth 1: Whole milk is best for all kids

All milk regardless of the fat content is fortified with vitamin D.

All milk also provides calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein and riboflavin.

Myth 2: Juice is a highly nutritious beverage option and can be served often. Whole fruits have more nutrients Not a good choice to quench thirst

Menus and Variety Serving a variety of foods helps to meet

a child’s nutrition needs. Children may need to see a new food at

least 10 times before they’ll actually try it. Don’t give up!

Including food in your menus from a variety of cultures can make meals more fun and interesting for children.

16

One cupcake One frosted cookie Chips and Dip Hi-C box

Party One

A. 435 caloriesB. 680 caloriesC. 760 caloriesD. 905 calories

Wheat crackers Reduced fat cheese Cucumber slices Blueberries 100% juice box

17

Party TwoA. 190 caloriesB. 295 caloriesC. 370 caloriesD. 600 calories

Gently encourage, but don’t force children to try a bite of a new food.

Forcing children to clean their plates can lead to overeating and weight problems.

Offer healthy foods to children and then let them decide if and how much to eat.

Feeding Practices

Make meal and snack time as stress free as possible and try to provide enough time to eat.

Try to avoid using food to reward good behavior or make a child feel better about something.

Feeding Practices

Policies Make it StickWhat are the benefits of having a written policy? 1. Everyone knows what the rules are.2. Parents know that their children’s

health and development is important to you and that you have thought about it and are doing something about it, and

3. Children know the boundaries.

(Source: http://depts.washington.edu/tvhealth/resources_prof.htm)

SCENARIOS

In Michigan, about 1 in 3 low-income children ages 2-5 years are overweight or obese.

Being overweight is a risk to physical and mental health Michigan children are in crisis. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity contribute to

weight gain Healthy lifestyle behaviors are formed early in life. Child care providers play an important role in keeping

children healthy and forming healthy lifestyle habits

Let’s Review...

Q & A

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful

committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Fit, Healthy and Ready to Succeed

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