Ages and Stages
Children need proper nutrition throughout development.
Articles within this series
- Overview
- The Nutrition of Learning
- The ABCs of Nutrition
- Ages and Stages
1- to 3-year-olds need optimal nutrition for growth and development of all organs and systems in their bodies. The brain’s developmental function and structure is considered most important at this age.
4- to 6-year-olds’ nutritional needs increase as they develop more demand upon their neurons. Their activity level increases at this age and requires more nutrients for functioning.
7- to 10-year-olds are beginning to write and read more sophisticatedly and are making many more message connections via neurotransmitters. Therefore, their daily diet should reflect this increased need.
11- to 14-year-olds are developing increasing levels of hormones along with physical growth, which accounts for the difference in nutritional needs at this age. Hormones can play a role in a child’s success in learning and growth.
15- to 18-year-olds tend to sleep less and increase the demand put on their body as a whole. In addition, these children are beginning to encounter and deal with more daily stresses. Nutritional needs should meet this increase.
In order to increase a child’s success with learning, parents need to know the ABCs of these guidelines:
- Acquire knowledge of nutrient-dense foods
- Add variety and fun to meal plans
- Balance nutrients throughout the entire day
- Be aware of your child’s age- and stage-appropriate needs
- Consistently provide easy to make and nutritious meals
- Create a healthy lifestyle for your family
The familiar USDA Food Guide Pyramid* is a visual example of what constitutes a healthy diet. The pyramid itself is divided into many sections, one for each food group, having the biggest section or food group at the bottom. The foods from the bottom section should make up the largest part of your daily diet. Each compartment provides an amount or serving size for the food group. These amounts are much too large for children. Hence, the pyramid is geared to adults.
A food guide that takes children into account would more realistically contain smaller portions and a section for treats or extras. Following is an example of a Brain Food Pyramid developed with children in mind.
*(Note: Referrals to Web sites not produced by Focus on the Family are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)