Child and Adolescent Development
Literature Review
Children have been affected heavily on their health by the food they have been eating. The American diet has a high content of fats which adds up to 34% of calories (Harvard School of Public Health). As such, fats are the main source of energy among the American nationals (Birch 250). Among the foods that are rich in fats and which are largely eaten in America are cheese, chips, candy, and peanut butter. At the same time, foods with high-level fats have been confirmed to contain high sugar levels and salts, creating an attractive nature from children. Foods like ice creams and cakes are used in different anniversary celebrations where children happen to be invited.
Research has not proved why there is a continued preference for fatty foods. Some fatty foods are considered to have features adaptive to children due to their sweet tastes preferred by minors. However, most of such foods do not have such attributes. It is not easy to tell when food has high levels of fats by their tastes, adding value to confusion on how most children love such diets. At times, children have no limit of foods they take in the parties, especially the fatty foods; they continue eating as long as their guidelines are doing the same during the parties (Birch 253). Nevertheless, providing children with healthy eating is essential to ensure their health is guaranteed. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Children and adolescents need a lot of energy to grow and do vigorous activities. The selection of food should favour the body demand for such foods. Fat is rich in energy and, therefore, it is fit for children and adolescents. Although fats lack a specific taste, children have to take them as part of their meals. Eating has been a social event among students. As such, eating is part of their social life. However, they have a choice to learn from the adults on what to eat and how to eat it. Eating to children is common and may take similar preferences with the adults. Children should be treated to a number of foods that are considered to be rewarded due to their nature. Giving children diets, such as cakes during birthdays, seems to be rewarding. Similarly, children can be rewarded with sweets after passing well in schools or working on a particular task. However, it is important to make children love different foods and not make them look like privileges after some work or activities. It has become a trend to eat but give for children as a by the way which should not be.
Children Weekly Diet
| Days of the week | Foods/meals | ||
| Breakfast | Lunch | Super | |
| Monday | Tea and Bread | Potatoes chips | Kales and potatoes |
| Tuesday | Tea and cookies | Mashed potatoes and fruits | Baked cake and chips and tea |
| Wednesday | Tea and cake | Cake and ice cream | Potatoes crisps and juice |
| Thursday | Tea and bread | Porridge, cereals and cheese | Spinach and fish |
| Friday | Tea and mashed potatoes | Bone soup and cakes | Pork and cheese |
| Saturday | Tea and arrowroots | Breaded wheat (carrots, sweets as a reward for eating the whole piece of breaded wheat). | Cabbages, beef and fruits |
| Sunday | Tea, egg and bread | Sweet potatoes and milk | Millet porridge and potatoes chips |
Reason for Recommending Certain Foods
Fatty foods are important for the children and adolescents in their growth; they help in their tissue development. Fat is important for minors, especially at the teenage. The child’s brain is at its vigorous development stage, thus needing fat to help in promoting maximum growth. Fat also acts as fuel and assists the body in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, such as K, D, A, and E. However, fatty food intake should be controlled due to the risk of suffering from obesity, stroke, heart disease, and overweight. It is, therefore, important to have the right amount for fat intake for the body to ensure personal health.
For children below the age of 2yesrs, it is healthy to feed them on yoghurt, cheese, and milk as the main source of energy and most essential nutrients. The calorie needs should determine fat intake for every person at a particular age. Teenagers between 4 and 18 years need 25% to 35% calories in food each day and 30% to 40% for those between 1 and 3 years. Vitamin A found in eggs, milk, meat cream, and cheese are used for healthy skin, bones, vision, and other body tissues. Cereals are rich in vitamin B, which is important for nerves functioning. Fish, vegetables, and enriched loaves of bread are rich in vitamin B3 for energy needed for body metabolism. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C/B6, fibre, and potassium is needed for children’s heart support.
Food Restrictions, Rewards, and Change of Menu
Due to the high level of cholesterol in certain foods, it is important to limit their use. Cholesterol is harmful to the heart and may cause damage to the heart tissues and blood flow. As such, it is important to limit foods, such as eggs and cheese on the weekly menu. To make sure the children remain healthy and continue eating well, even foods that do not suit food rewards like carrots and sweets are promised after some meals. The main menu may be adjusted to meet the needs of the children when the need arises. It will happen, especially when there is a shortage of certain foods in the market or when children fall ill. Parties in the course of the holiday or anytime may need to create some adjustments in the menu.
Works Cited
Birch, L. L. (1992). Children’s preferences for high-gat foods. Nutrition Reviews, 50. 249-255.
Harvard School of Public Health. Food and Diet: Beyond Willpower: Diet Quality and Quantity Matter. Harvard T.H. Chan. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/diet-and-weight/