BALANCED DIET PRESCHOOLER INTRODUCTION A balanced diet is

BALANCED DIET -- PRESCHOOLER INTRODUCTION : A balanced diet is defined as a diet which contains different types of food possessing the nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein , fats, vitamins, minerals, and water ; that is proportion to meet the requirement of the body. Balanced diet achieved by eating variety of foods. There is a no amount of all essential nutrients. The basic composition of balanced diet is highly variable as it different from country depending on the availability of foods. Social and cultural habits , economic status, age, sex, physical activity of the individual largely influence the intake of diet. The children s with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems. Bad eating habits can continue for the rest of their lives. The preschoolers eating plan should consist mostly of healthy foods, such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, egg, and legumes; whole grain such as whole bread and cereals at least two servings of dairy foods daily , and fresh lightly processed fruits and vegetables. The balanced diet of preschoolers is important for our growth and development. BALANCED DIET “A balanced diet is defined as a diet which contains variety of foods in such quantities and promotions that the need for energy, amino acid , minerals, fats. Carbohydrates and other nutrients is adequately met for maintaining health, Vitality and general well- being. It also makes a small provision for extra nutrients to withstand short duration of leanness. A balanced diet is a diet that provides all 6 nutrients; carbohydrates proteins, fats , minerals , vitamins, water in proper amounts and proportions to maintaining good health. ” NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENT IN PRESCHOOLER (1 TO 6 YEARS) Ø The rate of growth and development of children in this age groups depends on a good diet. Proper nutrition in this period lays the foundation of good health for rest of the life. Some of the deficiencies in this age have long lasting or irreversible effects. The deficiency seen in this period will not be corrected even if an excellent diet is provided in their later life. Ø Nutritional disorders like protein energy malnutrition, vitamin A and other vitamin deficiencies are particularly high among this age group. This age group is also more vulnerable to infectious diseases due to poor nutrition. Ø Thus balanced diet for this group should be rich in body building and protective foods like proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

• . Ø proper nutrition to work effectively. Ø The important healthy foods in preschoolers such as, The growth rate of child declines after one year, however, they require more calories and proteins per kilogram body weight than adults. So balanced diet should have allowance for this increased requirement. IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED DIET IN PRESCHOOLER : • The good diet is help to organ and tissues needs lean meats, poultry, seafood eggs, and legumes, whole grains, such as whole- wheat bread and cereals , at least two servings of dairy foods daily. And fresh or lightly processed fruits and vegetables. • The eating habits established now impact food habits and health later in life. • Preschooler need adequate intake in order to achieve full growth and developmental potential. • Undernutrition impair s children s cognitive development as well as their ability explore their environment. • To ensure the essential vitamins minerals and their nutrition s that needs to children s normal growth and developments. • To help prevent many chronic diseases. It include obesity, type 2 diabetes , etc. Improper diet may cause , Ø Failure to flourish, poor growth. Ø Poor development. Ø Poor physical and mental growth. Ø infectious disease. FOODS FOR PRESCHOOLER : ü Most like simple unmixed dishes at room temperature. ü familiar foods.

ü Small portion of new foods and popular foods. ü Colorful foods for them to try. ü Combined dry foods with moist and sharp acid- flavored. ü Crunchy and sweets foods. COMMON NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS IN PRESCHOOLERS: • Iron deficiency Anemia : Iron deficiency anemia in preschooler children s appears to cause long term delays in cognitive development and behavioral disturbances. • Dental caries, constipation, diarrhea, food poisoning, • Goitre , marasmus. CONCLUSION : The good nutrition is fundamental for children s current and future health as well as their development. The benefits of developing healthy dietary and life style patterns from an early age onwards can positively impact on peoples nutrition and health. A diet is all that consume in a day, and a balanced diet is a diet that contains of adequate quantity of the nutrients we required in the daily life. So the balanced diet in preschoolers is very important to their growth and development. A balanced diet is important to , maintain health and a sensible body weight. . In this Assignment focus about the importance of balanced diet in preschoolers and how to maintain nutritious diet in daily life. BIBLIOGRAPHY : 1. R. M Prasad , textbook of nutrition and biochemistry. 2 nd edition 2011 -2012 , page no: 467 -474. 2. Parul. Datta , textbook of Pediatric nursing. 3 rd edition, page no: 105 - 106 3. K. park , textbook of preventive and social medicine. 20 th edition , m/s Banassidas Bhaton publication , page no : 551. www. httpp// Wikipedia. Com Balanced diet and importance in preschoolers.