Nutrition is an important key to the growth, development, and overall well-being of children, especially in the first 6 years. As children form lifelong habits and cognitive foundations, a balanced, nutritious diet becomes crucial for both physical and mental development. Embodying healthy eating principles in early childhood education settings can have lasting benefits, not only for children’s health but also for their learning potential.
Cognitive and Physical Development
Research has long established that proper nutrition in early childhood is directly linked to cognitive development and physical growth. Studies show that children who consume nutrient-rich diets, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, demonstrate enhanced brain function, better memory, and improved attention spans, all of which are linked to learning.
A study published in the Journal of School Health highlighted the correlation between nutrient intake and academic performance in young children. The findings suggested that children who consumed a diet rich in essential vitamins, such as vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, performed better on cognitive tests than those who had inadequate nutrition(Florence, Asbridge, & Veugelers, 2008). Furthermore, a balanced diet can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions that can affect school attendance and participation.
Early Establishment of Healthy Habits
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the early years are a critical window for setting food preferences and behaviors (Birch & Anzman, 2010). Children who are regularly exposed to a variety of healthy foods are more likely to continue these habits into adolescence and adulthood, reducing their likelihood of developing poor eating patterns that contribute to chronic diseases.
By providing children with a consistent, healthy eating environment at school, educators can foster positive associations with nutritious foods. This is particularly important because children are often influenced by peers and educators. Schools that integrate nutrition education and provide balanced meals help normalize healthy choices, reinforcing these habits outside the classroom.
Impact on Behavioral and Emotional Well-being
Diet also has a direct impact on children’s behavior and emotional well-being. Studies indicate that poor nutrition, particularly diets high in sugar and processed foods, can lead to behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, irritability, and difficulties with concentration (Wiles et al., 2009). Conversely, a diet high in nutrients and low in sugar has been linked to more stable moods and better self-regulation.
For example, research published in Appetite found that children who had a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 rich foods were less likely to exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety (Jacka et al., 2013). This highlights the importance of healthy eating in supporting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being during early childhood.
Role of Schools in Promoting Healthy Eating
Kindergartens offer a unique opportunity to educate children about nutrition and establish healthy habits early. Schools can incorporate healthy eating into their curriculum through various strategies:
- Nutrition Education: Teaching children about the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can spark interest and curiosity about what they eat. Interactive lessons, such as food tastings and gardening projects, provide hands-on learning opportunities that engage young children in understanding the value of healthy choices.
- Role Modeling: Educators can serve as role models by consuming nutritious foods themselves and encouraging positive food behaviors in the classroom.
- Healthy School Meals: Providing well-balanced meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is crucial. Schools should work with nutritionists to design menus that meet children’s nutritional needs while promoting healthy eating habits.
- Parent Involvement: Encouraging parents to participate in their children’s nutrition education helps extend healthy habits beyond the classroom. Schools can offer workshops, send home nutrition tips, and promote healthy lunch ideas to engage families in the process.
Childhood obesity in Cyprus
From 2000-2010 the percentage of overweight and obese children increased by 25%. The latest research from 2015-2017 by the European Society of Obesity study showed that 2 out of 10 Cypriots are obese and 4 out of 10 are overweight! Cyprus sadly holds the first place in childhood obesity in Europe and in second place are Greece, Italy, and Spain. Despite all the knowledge and different ways to prevent childhood obesity, it seems that our children do not eat properly and do not exercise enough. They copy their parents’ lifestyle, avoiding important meals such as breakfast and overconsuming large meals usually high in fat in the evening.
Nutritional tips to improve children’s eating habits
1. Encourage children to create new nutritious snacks/taste/food combinations, letting them choose for themselves what they want. Nutrition stories help children a lot to understand the importance of choosing the right foods and acquiring good dietary habits that ensure their health in the future. Take some time and educate your children through a story.
2. There MUST be vegetables in the house. Be ready-to-eat, easy to access (eg carrot/cucumber/celery sticks with lemon and herbs and a yogurt dip) To be served in small quantities always, without pressure FALSE: “Eat your vegetables to eat sweets” Try incorporating them into a veggie burger, a veggie tart, or a homemade carrot cake.
3. Eat with your child. It should be a pleasant experience with peace of mind so turn off the TV! During meals talk. Serve meals and snacks at predetermined and scheduled times with enough time between meals to satisfy appetite. Younger children need 5 small meals a day because their stomachs have limited capacity.
4. Do not give fruit after eating. Another nutritional mistake we make, that it causes hyperinsulinemia, i.e. it forces the pancreas to overwork. Result: rapid hunger and fat storage.
5.Do not forbid water before food. It is wrong to prevent the child from drinking as they lose their appetite. In some cases, we even have to remind the children to drink water, since they forget.
Children should spend about 2 hours daily on free play or some organized activity: jump rope, chase, basketball Physical activity should be a part of everyday family life. It is important to offer them toys (e.g. balls, rope, etc.) that will encourage them to be more active and to accompany them in places such as parks, and stadiums. It is good to predetermine the time when the child can watch TV.
Never use food as a means of reward or punishment!
The most common technique to get the child to eat something he doesn’t like is to give him a gift if he eats or, on the contrary, to impose some punishment if he doesn’t. This practice is harmful to children’s dietary preferences. It makes them think that this food must not be tasty! A method that has been used successfully to offset the reward with chocolates/sweets. A frequent anxiety of parents is whether the child stays fasting. As soon as the child refuses to eat something, immediately comes the alternative option, which is usually of lower nutritional value. Also, the child finally realizes that if s/he says no to the bean, he will eat spaghetti or potatoes. So why would he want to try? If the child does not eat the food, do not rush to give him alternatives!
HOW to introduce your child to new foods
1. Offer new foods at the beginning of the meal, when your child is really hungry.
2. Cook together! It will help them see food differently and they are more likely to try foods that were negative in the past. At the same time, take advantage of the opportunity given by preparation and cooking to teach them the importance of these foods in our diet.
3. Do not adapt the eating habits of the family to those of the child! If you stop cooking a food category because the child doesn’t like it, it certainly won’t help them learn to eat it! One of the best techniques for teaching a child to eat something he doesn’t initially like is constant exposure to it. It appears that 15 or even 20 trials are required for children to learn to like a new food. Children learn by watching their parents. You owe it to your child and yourself to improve your eating habits. Good eating habits last a lifetime.
Some of the most important habits are:
1. Eat breakfast – Children who learn to eat breakfast are more attentive and more efficient at school.
2. Eat fruit and vegetables – Show your children how much you enjoy fruits and vegetables.
3. Eat healthy snacks – Eat the snacks you want your kids to eat too.
Breakfast
Studies have shown that children who don’t eat breakfast perform less well on tasks that require concentration and alertness and also appear more tired and lazy. In countries where schools have established a breakfast program for all children within the school, student achievement has improved.
A recent study of well-known children’s cereal brands concluded that several options are “overloaded” with sugars, at rates higher than a candy bar.
Except for oatmeal that has no added sugar, breakfast cereals for kids have more sugar and sodium and less fiber and protein than these cereals intended for adults. High consumption of sugar-rich cereals is associated with low efficiency and a lack of attention. The parents should check nutrition labels and choose those with the lowest percentages of sugars and sodium. Remember the Rule of Five. At least 5g FI per serving, less than 5g sugar. Avoid those that contain hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and chemical preservatives as ingredients
Notes from Helena Troullidou Clinical Dietitian- Nutritionist BSc (Hons) MSc (Hons) PhD Cand.
Challenges and Solutions
While the benefits of healthy eating in early childhood education are clear, there are challenges to its implementation. Limited budgets, time constraints, and varying levels of parental support can hinder efforts to provide consistent, nutritious meals and education in schools.
One solution is to advocate for policies that support school nutrition programs. School-based interventions promoting healthier food environments, such as the provision of fruits and vegetables and restrictions on sugary drinks, lead to improved dietary behaviors among students. Government funding for school meal programs and community partnerships can also provide necessary resources for schools to improve their nutritional offerings.
Healthy eating in early childhood education is more than just a topic of discussion; it is a foundation for lifelong health, well-being, and learning. Research consistently shows the positive impact of nutritious diets on cognitive development, behavior, and emotional stability. By promoting healthy eating habits through curriculum, role modeling, and family engagement, early childhood educators can play a vital role in shaping a healthier future for children.
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References:
- Birch, L. L., & Anzman, S. L. (2010). Learning to eat in an obesogenic environment: A developmental systems perspective on childhood obesity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(5), 1520S-1525S.
- Florence, M. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2008). Diet quality and academic performance. Journal of School Health, 78(4), 209-215.
- Jacka, F. N., Kremer, P. J., Berk, M., de Silva-Sanigorski, A. M., Moodie, M., & Leslie, E. (2013). A prospective study of diet quality and mental health in adolescents. Appetite, 74, 67-73.
- Wiles, N. J., Northstone, K., Emmett, P., & Lewis, G. (2009). ‘Junk food’ diet and childhood behavioural problems: Results from the ALSPAC cohort. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63(4), 491-498.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. CDC Report.