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Facts About Food & Nutrition for Kids

Nutrition, or the health value of food, is a complex subject, but it is an important one for kids to understand. The foods they eat act as fuel for their bodies and minds, so they need a steady supply of healthy foods to feel and perform their best. In order for kids to make healthy choices, they need to understand some basic facts about food and nutrition.

  1. Breakfast is Important

    • Breakfast is the opportunity for kids to refuel their bodies after a long night with no food. Breakfast gives kids more energy, which may help them focus and do better in school, make healthier food choices throughout the day and maintain a healthy weight. KidsHealth.org says that any breakfast is better than nothing, but a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein and complex carbohydrates (i.e. milk and cereal or a waffle with peanut butter) provides kids with necessary vitamins and minerals that may not be made up in the rest of the day's food.

    Stay Hydrated

    • More than half of the body's weight comes from water. Almost all of the body's functions depend on water, as well, from getting enough oxygen to digesting food. The body obtains this water from all the liquids kids drink, as well as food with a high water content, like cucumbers and melons. Sipping water throughout the day and drinking more when sweating or when the weather is warm can help kids avoid dehydration, which can lead to sluggishness.

    Skipping Meals is a Bad Idea

    • There are a number of reasons why kids skip meals, including lack of time to eat (especially in the morning), a desire to lose weight, and a belief that if they skip a meal they can eat whatever they want at the next one. Skipping meals does not help kids lose weight and may cause them to get so hungry that they overeat or make poor food choices at the next meal. It also deprives their bodies of the fuel they needs to produce energy, which may cause kids to feel tired or even sick.

    Caffeine Can be a Letdown

    • Caffeine is a stimulant that can be found in many foods and beverages, such as chocolate and many sodas. A small amount of caffeine may give kids a boost of energy and alertness, according to KidsHealth.org, but those boosts are short-lived. Too much caffeine can make kids jittery, cause them to have trouble sleeping and may even lead to nausea or headaches. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose water, which makes it more difficult to stay hydrated.

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