Pediatrics
A healthy diet improves growth, cognition, mood, and development in children. It also reduces the risk of chronic disease, including obesity. Forming healthy lifestyle habits in childhood helps to maintain these practices throughout life.
Young children grow at a rapid rate and, thus, need sufficient calories and nutrients to meet those demands.
Healthy adequate childhood nutrition has been associated with improved academic and sports performance.
Food preferences are developed at a young age. The introduction of a multitude of flavors and healthy food options as early as infancy can influence future behavior. Children mimic eating patterns displayed in their homes and at school. Children exposed to more diverse and healthy food choices have been found to extend these preferences into adulthood.
Forming healthy lifestyle habits in childhood helps to maintain these practices throughout life. Children provided nutritional education, as well as the opportunity to contribute to healthy meal choices and preparation, will have the best chance to succeed.