Preschoolers' Nutrition

by Lance, Aelec, Sarah, Mica, and Chrisvelle

 Table of Contents

1 Introduction 6 Promoting Healthy

Eating Habits
2 Description of Age
Group and their 7 Addressing Picky
Nutrition Needs Eating

3 Nutritional Allowances 8 Nutritional Education

and Parental
4 Common Nutritional Involvement
Disorders
9 Conclusion
5 Nutrition Approach
 Introduction

Good nutrition is essential for the growth,

development, and overall health of preschool-aged
children.

This presentation focuses on the specific nutritional

needs of children in the preschool age group
(typically 3-5 years old)

By understanding and meeting these nutritional

needs, we can support their optimal growth and
development during this critical stage of life.

 Preschoolers' Nutritional Needs

Increased Energy Needs
Preschoolers have increased energy needs to support
their growth, physical activity, and cognitive
development.
Nutrient-Dense Foods
Preschoolers have smaller stomach capacities,
so nutrient-dense f oods are important to meet
their nutritional needs within smaller portions.

Well-Balanced Diet
Age-Appropriate Portions
They require a well-balanced diet that provides essential
nutrients f or optimal brain f unction and overall health. Age-appropriate portion sizes and f ood textures
should be considered to ensure saf e and
enjoyable eating experiences.
Adequate Macronutrients
Rapid growth during the preschool years necessitates Self-Feeding & Independence
adequate intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates,
proteins, and f ats) f or energy and tissue development. Encouraging self -f eeding and independence can
f oster healthy eating habits and promote motor
skill development.
Essential Micronutrients
Essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are
crucial for supporting their immune system, bone health,
and cognitive function.
 Nutritional Allowances
Carbohydrates:
Approximately 45-65% of total daily
calories should come from carbohydrates.
Proteins:
Recommended intake is around 13-19
grams per day, depending on body weight
and activity level.
Fats:
Approximately 30-40% of total daily
calories should come from healthy fats.
Vitamins:
Adequate intake of vitamins A, C, D, E, and
K, as well as B-vitamins (such as B6 and
B12) and folate, is important for growth
and development.
Minerals:
Essential minerals include calcium, iron,
zinc, magnesium, and potassium, which
are needed for bone health, oxygen
transport, immune function, and
electrolyte balance.
 Common Nutritional Disorders

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Iron Deficiency Anemia Vitamin Deficiencies (e.g.,

(PEM)
Inadequate intake of protein and
energy, leading to poor weight gain,
stunted growth, muscle wasting,
lethargy, and weakened immune
system.
Inadequate iron intake or absorption,
leading to fatigue, pale skin,
weakness, irritability, and decreased
cognitive function.
Vitamin A, Vitamin D)
Inadequate intake or poor
absorption of specific vitamins,
leading to vision problems (Vitamin A
deficiency) and poor bone health
(Vitamin D deficiency).

By understanding and addressing these common nutritional disorders in

preschoolers, we can help ensure that they receive the proper nutrition
they need for healthy growth, development, and overall well-being.
Variety of Foods from All
Regular Eating Patterns
Food Groups
Encourage consistent meal and snack
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, times.
lean proteins, and dairy products in their
diet.
Hydration
Portion Control Promote adequate fluid intake, primarily
through water.
Serve appropriate portion sizes suitable
for their age and appetite.
Role Modeling
Balanced Meals Be a positive role model by consuming
nutritious foods and practicing healthy
Ensure meals consist of a combination of eating habits.
carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
 Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
Offer a Variety of Nutritious Foods Encourage Self-
Provide a wide range of fruit s, veget ables, whole grains, lean
prot eins, and dairy product s.
regulation of Food Intake
T each children t o list en t o t heir hunger and
fullness cues.
Involve Children in Meal Planning and
Preparation
Let children part icipat e in grocery shopping and meal Limit Sugary and
planning. Involve t hem in age-appropriat e cooking act ivit ies.
Processed Foods
Reduce t he consumpt ion of sugary drinks,
Create a Positive Mealtime snacks, and processed foods.
Environment
Est ablish regular and enjoyable family meals wit h minimal
dist ract ions.
Promote Positive Food
Experiences
Be a Role Model for Healthy Eating Creat e a posit ive associat ion wit h
Demonst rat e healt hy eat ing habit s by consuming nut rit ious nut rit ious foods t hrough posit ive
foods yourself. reinforcement and praise.
 Addressing Picky Eating

Recognize Common Issue Offer strategies Be patient and persistent

of Picky Eating Strategies for dealing with picky Remain patient and persistent when
Picky eating is a common issue eating include exposure to new dealing with picky eating
among preschoolers foods, positive mealtime
environment, and being patient
and persistent

By recognizing the common issue of picky eating among preschoolers and offering
strategies such as exposure to new foods, positive mealtime environment, and being
patient and persistent, parents can help their children overcome picky eating.
 Nutritional Education and
Parental Involvement

Nutritional Education Role of Parental Ways to Promote Parental

Equips parents and caregivers
with the knowledge and skills to
make informed decisions about
their child's nutrition
Involvement
Parents play a vital role in creating
a supportive environment for
healthy eating habits
Involvement
Nutrition Workshops and Seminars,
Collaborative Meal Planning, Reliable
Nutrition Resources, Parent Support
Groups, School-Based Initiatives

By emphasizing the importance of nutritional education and parental

involvement, we can empower parents and caregivers to create a supportive
environment that fosters healthy eating habits for preschoolers.
 Conclusion
Nutrition plays a crucial role in Manage picky
preschoolers' growth and eating
development Expose to new foods, create
Nutrition is essential for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial a positive mealtime
development in preschoolers environment, and be patient
and persistent

Common nutritional disorders can

Nutritional
have severe consequences
education for
Protein-energy malnutrition and deficiencies in iron and
vitamins can have serious effects if not addressed parents and
caregivers
Adopt a holistic approach to nutrition Educate parents and involve
them in promoting healthy
Offer a variety of foods, portion control, balanced meals, eating habits
regular eating patterns, and be a positive role model