Keep on Growing, Growing, Growing....then Stop!

From pregnancy to infancy to adolescence to adulthood, nutritional needs change. Children must grow and develop, while older adults must counter the effects of aging. There is an importance of age-appropriate nutrition during all stages of the life. 

Newborns require minerals for strong bones and immune systems (Little, 2015). Breastfeeding is the ideal way to ensure that a newborn is getting what he or she needs. For those that choose not to breastfeed, formula can provide sufficient nutrients. Vitamin D is important for bone formation, and breast milk is sometimes deficient in it. Because babies are so small, they need smaller total amounts of these nutrients than adults do, but as a percentage of body weight, babies need more than twice as much of most nutrients (Sizer, 2014). 

Children should be eating a few solid foods by the time they are 6 months old (Sizer, 2014). Vegetables, fruit and meats, pureed meat or poultry are the best food to introduce early, as it provides iron and zinc (Little, 2015). If is advised to introduce these foods one at a time to monitor signs of allergies.

Nutrition for children and teens should be focused on a balanced diet. Their activity levels should be a factor in their nutrition as well. Children and teens tend to be active and usually require more calories than infants and the elderly (Sizer, 2014). Some children and teens, however, may not get the exercise they need and run the risk of becoming obese. For these children and teens especially, a healthy diet that downplays fast and prepared foods is important.

Adults need to focus on preventing diet-related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Getting essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein while limiting unhealthy fats and excessive sugar are important (Sizer, 2014). Limiting fast and processed foods are just as important at this stage of life as they are during childhood. Exercise also plays a crucial role in staying healthy as an adult.

As we get older, our metabolism slows down. Appropriate exercise to maintain metabolism remains important, as does adequate nutrition. Choose foods high in nutrients, and keep sugar and fat consumption minimal (Sizer, 2014). You may require some supplementation. The risk of type two diabetes gets stronger in this stage of life. 

http://www.rachelcooks.com/2011/10/21/maple-cayenne-roasted-brussels-sprouts/

I am a lucky mom, as my 7 year old loves her vegetables and is easy to feed nutritional foods. I found a secret that never fails with her. After discovering her love of homemade kale chips, I decided to use the same roasting method for all vegetables: broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and carrots, to name a few. Olive oil, garlic powder, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Toss all together and roast on a baking sheet at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. She always asks for more. 

References 

Little, M. (2015, June 22). Human Life Cycle Stages & Nutrition | LIVESTRONG.COM [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/439578-human-life-cycle-stages-nutrition/

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2014). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781133603184