Nutrition is the study of food and how it affects the body. It includes the process of the body nourishing itself with food, which contains nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Here are some tips for teaching kids about nutrition:
- Eat a variety of foods: A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains.
- Limit added sugar and salt: Too much sugar can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, while too much salt can lead to high blood pressure.
- Choose healthy fats: Healthy fats come from cooking oils, nuts, fish, and avocados.
- Drink water: Water helps transport nutrients and flush out waste.
- Avoid calling foods “good” or “bad”: Kids should learn that all foods have a place in their diet.
- Show kids what “eating right” looks like: Fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Talk about portion size: Consider how much of a food to eat.
