The plate of health in nursery and preschool, from what do children grow?

Nutrition and healthy eating habits for children are significant at every stage of their development. Properly balanced and well-rounded nutrition can have an impact on preventing serious health complications in later years.

Children who have completed their first year of life develop distinctive traits associated with curiosity and a readiness to explore. They want to investigate their immediate surroundings, and most children are inclined to imitate. The energy requirements for children between 1 and 3 years of age fluctuate at around 1000 kcal.

During the preschool years, somatic development stabilises while physical activity increases. The energy requirement is approximately 1200-1400 kcal per day (80-82 kcal per kilogram of body weight) with moderate physical activity.

Children’s nutritional needs should be met by the meals they consume. It is recommended to have 4-5 meals throughout the day while adhering to the principle: “Parents and guardians decide what a child will eat, and the child regulates how much they eat.” Following this principle allows children to self-regulate, enabling them to recognise hunger and fullness cues.

The currently recommended model to assist parents and guardians in selecting the proportions of various components for their daily diet is the “Healthy Eating Plate.” (NIZP PZH).

According to the recommendations, children should receive vegetables or fruits with every meal, ensuring diversity and seasonality. Looking at the plate, we can see that half of it should be allocated to this group of foods.

The second part of the plate (1/4) should contain cereal products such as groats, rice, pasta, products made from different flours, and unprocessed and unsweetened breakfast cereals. This food group is rich in carbohydrates, providing children with energy, fibre, and vitamins that support the development of the central nervous system. Be bold in incorporating whole-grain products into children’s diets.

The third part of the plate (1/4) consists of products that provide both plant-based and animal-based proteins. This food group should give special attention to dishes containing fish, eggs, legumes, dairy and its derivatives, and nuts. In cases where animal products are excluded, it is advisable to seek advice from a dietitian to receive support in balancing protein, calcium, and vitamins.

Nurseries and preschools are places where children receive three-quarters of their daily energy needs through meals. Planned menus for preschools and nurseries must meet many requirements, standards, and regulations. Therefore, it is essential for the person responsible for planning these menus to have knowledge in the field of dietetics and the impact of nutrition on children’s development. Healthy meals for children are also the foundation for proportional growth, combating overweight, and boosting immunity.