THE HEALTHY EATING FOOD PYRAMID FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Eating habits throughout life are established at a young age. Therefore, learning to choose and enjoy different foods in childhood provides the foundation for healthy food choices in adulthood.

The Food Pyramid is the education tool used nationally and internationally to communicate the healthy eating message. The Food Pyramid should be used as the basis for healthy eating training. The Food Pyramid is a fun way to teach children about the different food groups and the nutrients in each group. The pyramid is divided into five shelves, each representing a different food group. Choosing a variety of foods from each of the bottom four main shelves ensures that children have a balanced and healthy diet. 

Healthy Eating the ‘Pyramid Way’ consists of:

·         ‹A healthy varied diet

·          Adequate energy intake for growth and development

·         Plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamins, minerals and fibre

·         Adequate calcium intake for healthy bones and teeth

·         Adequate iron intake to prevent anaemia

·          Adequate fluid intake – drink water frequently and/or choose tooth friendly drinks

·         Regular eating pattern - not skipping meals

The following points should be considered when planning a healthy eating programme.

•          Good nutrition is essential for school children. They need to receive a sound understanding about why a variety of food is important for their optimum growth, development and health. 
•    They should be encouraged to have practical experience in preparing their own lunches and meals.
•     A positive attitude to food should be encouraged. Children should enjoy their food. 
•    It is important to communicate the message that all foods have a place in a balanced diet. Foods should not be labelled as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Food should never be used as a reward. 
•     Research suggests that the provision of nutritious school food enhances not only the child’s health but also allows the child to take full advantage of the education provided by improving attention levels and concentration spans. 
•      Schools should be encouraged to develop their own policy on healthy eating. Children’s appetites vary with age and according to times of accelerated growth, therefore, it is important that the food intake of school children should not be limited unnecessarily. Children need energy and nutrients to fulfill growth needs and requirements for everyday activities.
•  Children may need three meals and three snacks each day to ensure that their appetite and energy needs are met. The size of meals and the number of snacks required will depend on the child’s age and stage of development.
•    Physical activity is integral to any healthy eating programme and hence should also be promoted and encouraged. 
•       Involving teachers, parents and older children (each important role model) in any healthy eating training will ensure that children receive consistent messages both at home and at school.

In the next article we will study about each food group in detail.