Eating
a well-balanced diet of foods filled with nutrients that will provide
the growing fetus the essential nutrition it needs for healthy
development is one of the best gifts to give to your unborn child.
Planning to have a baby can provide extra incentives for the
parents-to-be in setting nutritional goals, they can start even
before she becomes pregnant. To increase the chances of having a
healthy baby, it is necessary to make changes in the diet during
pregnancy as the needs for more nutrients grows, certain vitamins and
minerals, like Iron, Folate, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Calcium, the
need for energy that are provided through carbohydrates, protein and
healthy types of fats and increasing physical activity (Sizer, &
Whitney, 2013).
An
Infant will benefit from breast milk, while the mother who
breastfeeds her baby will need foods that will provide essential
nutrients for her to produce healthy milk. An adequate amount of
vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and Iron, as well as other
essential nutrients is an important part of an infant's diet as the
infant starts eating solid foods, there should be no sugar in their
diet plans. Sugar is not a necessary part of the diet plan for
children either. Children need more fruits and vegetables, along with
whole grains, lean meats, fish, non-dairy products (Sizer, &
Whitney, 2013).
As
Children grow and become Adolescence, they need more protein,
vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin D, Iron, fiber, carbohydrates,
fat and fatty acids in their diets. Water is necessary for all age
groups. Adults, as they age, their bodies lose minerals and water,
causing issues such as; asthma, and pneumonia, constipation, kidney
problems, and mental confusion,which be misdiagnosed as Dementia.
Adults also need to lower their intake of saturated fats, while they
increase their intake of foods that are rich in fiber, vitamins,
Iron, protein, potassium, and calcium, (Sizer, & Whitney, 2013).
For
good health nutrition guidelines for across the lifespan, the
website: choosemyplate.gov;
will help to keep you and your family healthy by offering; daily
food plans, recipes, menus, managing a budget while eating healthy,
lesson plans, and a buddy system so you do not have to battle alone
(choosemyplate, n.d.).
References:
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013). Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
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