Snacks and lunchtime activities are something you may find yourself assisting with in your career. When children have mealtime routines and rules to follow, they can learn about socializing, manners and sharing. This is also an opportunity for them to learn about nutrition.
Provided with a healthy diet rich in nutrients, young bodies are able to build tissues and function properly. Their mood levels, academic performance, physical fitness and personal wellbeing can also benefit from getting the healthy, nourishing meals and snacks they need. Children eat smaller portions, so quality is a focus when choosing what they eat. Read on for some facts about childhood nutrition you can use in your career!
1. Early Childcare Assistant Training Lets You Be a Role Model
Children look to role models for behaviours and habits that they themselves can develop. When the adults in a child’s life eat well, children often will mimic them. By eating healthy yourself, you’re teaching the children you work with to also eat healthy. These healthy nutrition choices are important to develop early in life. Reinforcing the value of mindful and educated food choices will prepare children to take care of their bodies. This also teaches children to respect themselves and value their health, which in turn can translate into positive feelings towards others.
2. Variety Is Key in Healthy Nutrition
Early childcare assistant college prepares you through labs to assist in daycare or early learning centres, where you may prepare nutritious foods based on the Canada Food Guide. Children aged 2 and up require variety in their diets. A diverse range of fruits and vegetables, with whole grains, proteins and water can help them get their vitamins, macronutrients, calories and hydration. Choosing a range of colours of plants also helps to ensure that various health benefits are obtained. This can also be a fun part of eating for children, who often respond to bright colours and may enjoy “eating a rainbow”.
3. You May See Effects of Sugar After an Early Childcare Assistant Diploma
It’s no secret that many children have a sweet tooth. While it may be one of their favourite things to eat, sugar can have negative effects if there is too much of it. One major drawback of too much sugar is that it can cause fullness, so that children are unable to drum up an appetite for healthier foods.
The Canada Food Guide highlights that having too many sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is also linked to increased risk of cavities, specifically in children. After your early childcare assistant training, you may work in environments where you see some hyperactivity and behavioural issues that could also be linked to sugar intake.
4. Calcium Builds Healthy Bones During Early Childhood
You’ve likely heard of the importance calcium plays in maintaining healthy bones. For children, this importance is heightened as it builds strong bones and teeth. A steady availability of calcium lets a child’s body to continue the process of growing these tissues.
Calcium also helps with muscle and nerve function, as well as converting food into energy. In addition, it contributes to the regulation of blood pressure. Milk, yogurt and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium. Since children only have one chance to build strong bones, getting enough of this nutrient early on in life is necessary.
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