Nutrition
Background
Food is one of the basic necessities for sustaining human life. Therefore, the food in the diet should be nutritionally balanced. We need a sufficient supply of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, salts, vitamins and minerals for proper nutrition and nourishment. Since it is not possible to get all these elements in sufficient amounts in any single food item, the right amount of all these elements should be achieved by including various food items in the daily diet.
In order for the child to be well nourished, it is important that the child’s mother get the right kind of food, right from conception. Eating sufficient food does not mean that the person is getting proper nutrition. It is just as important to get nutrients like salts, vitamins, and so on. The meals should include a balanced and nutritious diet. It is also very important to include local food grains, fruits and vegetables grown in that area. Adequate nutrition is essential for the child’s growth and development to be normal.
Very Important
The components of a balanced diet are as follows. They should be included in the child's feeding
Pulses, oilseeds and nuts
Milk and dairy products
Cereals
Eggs
Yams and potatoes
Other vegetables and fruits
Yellow fruits and vegetables
Meat
The food should include all the three major components that energies and replenish the body as well as keep the body healthy by boosting the immune system.
The body gets energy from carbohydrates and fats. Carbohydrates are found in all types of cereals, legumes, and tubers. Lubricants are obtained from all types of oils, oilseeds, eggs, meat, fish and ghee.
Proteins replenish the body's waste. Protein is obtained from all cereals, whole grains, oilseeds, milk and milk products as well as eggs, meat and fish.
Vitamins and minerals protect the body by boosting the immune system. All fruits, vegetables and legumes provide vitamins and minerals.
In order for the body to be properly nourished and healthy, it is necessary to have different colored food items like the colors of the rainbow. For this one must use the seasonal foods that are easily available around them.
Hunger Cues - 0 to 6 months
The child sucking on his/ her hands Intensifying his/ her limb movements Salivation from the mouth Trying to find the mother by looking around Demonstrating fondness for breastfeeding by turning his/ her head toward the breast Ultimately crying
Hunger Cues - 6 to 12 months
Walking behind the mother Pulling on to the mother’s clothes Taking the mother to the kitchen or near the snack box Crying
Fullness Cues - 0 to 6 months
Turning his/ her head away or closing the mouth Moving away Refusing to eat Removing the food from the mouth
Complementary Feeding
