Balanced Nutrition Plan for Preschool Children
- Content creator
- Dec 3, 2024
- 3 min read
1. The Importance of Nutrition for Preschool Children
From ages 3 to 5, children experience rapid physical and intellectual development. They begin to form eating habits and learn to recognize basic food groups. An unbalanced diet can lead to issues such as:
Malnutrition: Lack of necessary energy and micronutrients, affecting physical and mental development.
Overweight and Obesity: Due to excessive energy intake relative to expenditure.
Picky Eating: Originating from psychological factors, illness, or monotonous meals.
Stunted Growth: Caused by insufficient nutrients needed for bone development.
To minimize these issues, parents should create a scientifically balanced meal plan that ensures adequate nutrition for children.
2. Nutritional Guidelines by Age Group
2.1 Infants (Kindergarten)
Recommended energy intake (daily/child): 930–1000 Kcal
Recommended energy intake at school: 600–651 Kcal (accounting for 65% of daily intake)
Number of meals at school: Two main meals and one snack
Energy distribution across meals:
Lunch: 30-35% of daily energy
Afternoon snack: 25-30% of daily energy
Snack: 5-10% of daily energy
Macronutrient distribution:
Protein: 13-20% of energy intake
Fat: 30-40% of energy intake
Carbohydrates: 47-50% of energy intake
Water intake: 0.8-1.6 liters per child per day (including water from food)
2.2 Preschoolers
Recommended energy intake (daily/child): 1230–1320 Kcal
Recommended energy intake at school: 615–726 Kcal (accounting for 50-55% of daily intake)
Number of meals at school: One main meal and one snack
Energy distribution across meals:
Lunch: 30-35% of daily energy
Snack: 15-25% of daily energy
Macronutrient distribution:
Protein: 13-20% of energy intake
Fat: 25-35% of energy intake
Carbohydrates: 52-60% of energy intake
Water intake: 1.6–2.0 liters per child per day (including water from food)
3. How to Build a Scientific Nutrition Plan
Ensure adequate calorie intake: Children need between 735–882 Kcal per day at school to ensure energy for learning and play.
Balance macronutrients: The meal plan should ensure a ratio of Protein – Fat – Carbohydrates of 14:26:60.
Diverse menu: Combine a variety of foods to avoid monotony and ensure a full range of vitamins and minerals.
Adjust meals according to the season:The meal portion for children also depends on the seasonal weather conditions.
Summer: Due to the hot weather, the demand for watery dishes increases; prioritize foods like soups and broths.
Winter: In cold weather, parents can use stir-fried, fried, or stewed dishes to keep the body warm.
Example meal distribution:A meal providing 600 Kcal may be divided as follows:
Protein: 84 Kcal (21g)
Fat: 156 Kcal (17g)
Carbohydrates: 360 Kcal (90g)
Meal calculation formula:
Considerations when planning meals for Preschool Children:
Allergic children: Avoid high-risk foods such as seafood and peanuts if not tested.
Picky eaters: Prepare visually appealing dishes with creative shapes.
Overweight children: Limit sugary foods and increase vegetables and fruits.
4. Ensuring Proper Weight and Height for Children Aged 3–5
To evaluate a balanced nutrition plan, parents can refer to the standard weight and height charts by age:
Conclusion
A scientific nutrition plan not only ensures comprehensive physical development but also supports intellectual growth in early childhood. By building a balanced menu that suits each age group and promoting healthy eating habits, we lay a solid foundation for children to confidently explore the world.Join Princeton Academy Premier in nurturing the future generations! Register today for your child to experience a holistic educational and nutritional environment, promoting optimal development both physically and intellectually.
PRINCETON ACADEMY PREMIER PHU MY HUNG
Campus 1: 33 Street 16, Nam Vien Quarter, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, HCMC
Campus 2: 10 Street 18, My Gia Quarter, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, HCMC
Admissions Hotline: 0902 591 866
Parent Hotline: 028 73 093 686
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