Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods

Binns, C.W. and Lee, M.K. (2003) Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods. In: Food for Health: Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia. Australian Government. National Health & Medical Research Council, Canberra, ACT, pp. 45-63.

Abstract

Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods is important in childhood, when growth and maturation are occurring and future eating habits are being established. Variety is a primary factor in the development of lifelong healthy eating behaviours. Consumption of a wide variety of foods makes it less likely that excessive or inadequate amounts of any particular nutrient or other food component will be consumed. Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and lifestyle changes, but it is also an important period for maintaining optimal nutrition. The first word of this guideline is enjoy, and eating should be an enjoyable activity for all children. Childhood is a time when an appreciation of the pleasures of good food can be developed, in a context of healthy nutrition.

Good eating habits begin in childhood. Parents and other caregivers can set an example for children by offering a wide variety of foods, setting regular meal patterns, and providing sufficient ‘training’ to establish good dietary behaviour. The word mother is often used in this guideline when referring to infants and young children. In all cases other than in connection with breastfeeding, parent or caregiver could be substituted.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Chiropractic and Sports Science
Publisher:	Australian Government. National Health & Medical Research Council
Copyright:	2003 Commonwealth of Australia
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/11739

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