Healthy Eating Habits for Nursery Children in Dubai
As parents and educators, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health. And one of the most important aspects of good health is healthy eating habits.
It is important to start teaching healthy eating habits to children from an early age, and this includes nursery children. In this article, we will discuss the importance of healthy eating in early years, early years healthy eating guidelines, and how to promote healthy eating in early years settings.
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Why is it important to eat healthy at a young age?
The early years of a child’s life are crucial for their development, and proper nutrition plays a significant role in it.
A healthy diet can improve a child’s physical and cognitive development, as well as their immune system. It can also help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other health problems later in life. When children develop healthy eating habits early on, they are more likely to continue those habits into adulthood.
Early Years Healthy Eating Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children aged 6-23 months should have a diet that includes:
- Breastmilk or formula
- A variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein-rich foods
- Foods that are rich in iron and zinc
For children aged 2-5 years, the guidelines include:
- A variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein-rich foods
- Limited intake of saturated fats, sugar, and salt
- Plenty of physical activity
Teaching healthy eating to preschoolers
Teaching healthy eating habits to preschoolers can be challenging, but it is essential. Here are some tips to promote healthy eating in early years settings:
- Be a role model: Children learn by example, so make sure to model healthy eating habits yourself.
- Make mealtimes enjoyable: Encourage children to try new foods and make mealtimes a pleasant experience.
- Offer a variety of foods: Provide a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
- Get children involved: Let children help with meal preparation and encourage them to make healthy food choices.
- Limit unhealthy foods: Avoid offering foods that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
- Provide water: Encourage children to drink water instead of sugary drinks.
How to promote healthy eating in early years settings
In addition to the tips mentioned above, here are some ways to promote healthy eating in early years settings:
- Provide education: Educate parents and staff on the importance of healthy eating and provide resources on healthy food choices.
- Create a healthy eating policy: Develop a policy that promotes healthy eating and encourages healthy food choices.
- Offer cooking classes: Provide cooking classes for parents and staff to learn healthy recipes and cooking methods.
- Garden project: Start a garden project with children to teach them about healthy food choices and where their food comes from.
- Celebrate healthy eating: Celebrate healthy eating by having healthy food parties and offering healthy snacks.
Teaching healthy eating habits to nursery children is essential for their physical and cognitive development, as well as their long-term health. By providing a variety of healthy foods and promoting healthy eating habits in early years settings, children can develop a positive relationship with food and learn to make healthy food choices throughout their lives.
Teaching Healthy Eating Through Fun Activities in Nursery Settings
Nurseries can also incorporate various activities to teach children about healthy eating habits. For example, sensory activities, such as taste testing, can introduce children to new and healthy foods.
Cooking and food preparation activities can also be used to teach children about healthy ingredients and how to prepare healthy meals.
Storytelling and play-based activities can also be effective in teaching children about healthy eating habits, such as reading stories about healthy foods or playing games that involve identifying healthy foods. By incorporating these activities into the daily routine, children can learn about healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging way.
The Little Dreamers Nursery in Dubai
The Little Dreamers Nursery is one of the leading nurseries in Dubai, dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.
They understand the importance of healthy eating habits for nursery children and provide a menu that includes a variety of healthy foods.
They also have a garden project where children can learn about healthy food choices and where their food comes from. If you’re looking for a nursery in Dubai that promotes healthy eating habits, The Little Dreamers Nursery is an excellent choice.
