“Good health is paramount, especially when it comes to children’s eating habits.” Caring for children, especially their diet, is always a concern for parents. How to calculate meal portions for preschoolers to ensure they are nutritious and appetizing? This article will help you answer that question. See how to calculate meal portions for preschoolers for more detailed information.
I vividly remember a story about Minh, a very picky eater. Minh’s mother struggled to find the right meal portions for him. After consulting with his teacher and a nutritionist, she realized that it wasn’t just about calculating calories, but also about diversifying foods and preparing appealing dishes.
The Importance of Calculating Meal Portions
Calculating meal portions for preschoolers is extremely important as it directly affects their physical and intellectual development. A reasonable meal portion will provide enough energy and nutrients for children to be active, play, and learn. Conversely, insufficient or excessive meal portions can have negative impacts on a child’s health. According to Nguyen Thi Lan, a nutritionist at the National Institute of Nutrition, “A balanced diet is the foundation for a child’s comprehensive development.” (Quote from the book “Nutrition for Preschoolers”).
Guide to Calculating Meal Portions for Children
So how do you calculate meal portions for preschoolers scientifically? Here are some guidelines to help you:
Determine Energy Needs
A child’s energy needs depend on their age, gender, weight, and activity level. You can refer to preschooler menu plans for more ideas. Typically, preschoolers need about 1200-1500 calories per day.
Distribute Food Groups
A meal portion needs to include all 4 main food groups: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is necessary to diversify the types of food in each group to ensure adequate nutrition for children.
Create Appealing Menus
Create weekly menus, changing dishes regularly to avoid boredom for children. Prioritize easy-to-digest dishes, prepared according to the child’s taste. You can also refer to the preschool lunch duty schedule template to learn how to arrange meals reasonably.
According to folk beliefs, respecting traditions brings good fortune, and this extends to eating habits. Many families have the custom of offering rice to ancestors before meals, expressing respect and wishing for good health for their children.
Notes When Calculating Meal Portions
- Do not force children to eat too much or too little.
- Encourage children to drink enough water each day.
- Consult a doctor or nutritionist if your child has health problems or is a picky eater. Ms. Pham Thi Hoa, principal of Hoa Sen Kindergarten in Hanoi, shared: “The most important thing is to listen to your child’s body and adjust their meal portions accordingly.” (Quote from the book “Raising Preschoolers”).
A preschooler enjoys a healthy and balanced meal
Conclusion
When planning a birthday party program for preschoolers, you also need to pay attention to meal portions for the children. Calculating meal portions for preschoolers is a necessary task that requires parents’ attention and understanding. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information. Please leave a comment below to share your experiences or learn more about the circular issuing regulations for kindergartens. If you need further advice, please contact Phone Number: 0372999999, or visit address: 234 Hao Nam, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer care team.