Nutrition and Food Choices
TDA 2.14 Support children and young people at meal or snack times
1. Know the principles of healthy eating for children and young people 1.1 Outline the nutritional requirement of a healthy diet for children and young people
Childhood and adolescence are periods of rapid physical, social, cognitive and behaviour change. Optimal nutrition during childhood and adolescence is essential for the maintenance of growth and good health. The dietary requirements of children and young people are different to those of adults and are constantly changing as individuals grow and develop.
Establishing good nutrition and physical activity patterns in childhood contributes to good health throughout life. The values, habits and behaviours developed during this period often influence behaviours in adulthood. There is evidence that health during childhood and adolescence impacts on health during adulthood.
Children should not exceed the recommended calorie intake per day; however, it is not always possible in a setting to maintain this as you do not know what children are eating at home, before or after they attend nursery.
Guidelines for calorie intake
Age (years) Calories per day
Boys Girls
1-3 1,230 1,165
4-6 1,715 1,545
7-10 1,970 1,740
11-14 2,220 1,845
15-18 2,755 2,110
Children also have recommended percentages of food types.
Oils and fats 6%
High protein 11%
Milk and dairy products 17%
Fruit and vegetables 33%
Potatoes and cereals 33%
Maintaining a healthy diet for children is imperative. It has been proven that children’s concentration in school is affected should they skip breakfast and that a sugar high from too many sweet things can also cause a ‘crash’ leaving children lethargic.
1.2 Describe examples of healthy meals and snacks for children and young people
Breakfast
Banana-Cinnamon French Toast
Smoothie
Banana-Nut Muffins
1. Know the principles of healthy eating for children and young people 1.1 Outline the nutritional requirement of a healthy diet for children and young people
Childhood and adolescence are periods of rapid physical, social, cognitive and behaviour change. Optimal nutrition during childhood and adolescence is essential for the maintenance of growth and good health. The dietary requirements of children and young people are different to those of adults and are constantly changing as individuals grow and develop.
Establishing good nutrition and physical activity patterns in childhood contributes to good health throughout life. The values, habits and behaviours developed during this period often influence behaviours in adulthood. There is evidence that health during childhood and adolescence impacts on health during adulthood.
Children should not exceed the recommended calorie intake per day; however, it is not always possible in a setting to maintain this as you do not know what children are eating at home, before or after they attend nursery.
Guidelines for calorie intake
Age (years) Calories per day
Boys Girls
1-3 1,230 1,165
4-6 1,715 1,545
7-10 1,970 1,740
11-14 2,220 1,845
15-18 2,755 2,110
Children also have recommended percentages of food types.
Oils and fats 6%
High protein 11%
Milk and dairy products 17%
Fruit and vegetables 33%
Potatoes and cereals 33%
Maintaining a healthy diet for children is imperative. It has been proven that children’s concentration in school is affected should they skip breakfast and that a sugar high from too many sweet things can also cause a ‘crash’ leaving children lethargic.
1.2 Describe examples of healthy meals and snacks for children and young people
Breakfast
Banana-Cinnamon French Toast
Smoothie
Banana-Nut Muffins