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Pregnancy/Lactation
A key nutritional need for a women during the first three month period of pregnancy, is the need for folate. (Helps prevent neural tube damage) During the second trimester a women needs two daily equivalents from the grains group, one ounce equivalent from the meat and beans group each day. Also an increased intake from the vegetables group (1/2 cup daily). During lactation women needs liquids to provide water in breast milk and to meet fluid needs. (at least 2-3 quarts of fluid a day). -
Foods to avoid during pregnancy
• Raw meats
• Deli meats
• Smoked seafood
• Fish with mercury
• Raw eggs
• Caffeine
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• Soft cheeses
• Alcohol
• Unwashed vegetables -
Infancy
Infants need good nutrition to grow and develop normally. A healthful diet is more important during the first year in life than at any other time in the life cycle. A full-term baby should have enough “iron reserves” to last for the first six months of life. A baby needs iron because it consumes mainly breast milk or infant formula during the first few months. An infant’s rate of growth is fastest during the first few months of life. -
Foods an infant should not eat
• Honey
• Cow’s milk & Soy milk
• Large chunks , small and hard foods
• Soft sticky foods
• Peanut butter -
Toddlers
A toddler’s diet should supply enough calories for a weight gain that fits a child’s normal rate of development. Parents should be sure children’s food choices include good sources of iron, such as enriched cereal and cooked dry beans. Nutrient needs vary from child to child depending on growth and activity -
Preschool
Parents can encourage eating by keeping the preschoolers likes and dislikes in mind at mealtime. Preschoolers often have unpredictable eating habits. Some children will not drink the recommended 2 cups of milk, in these cases parents can feed children more foods prepared with milk. Parents should not force children to eat, if the children will not eat a certain meal they will often make up for it at another. -
Food appeal to preschoolers
• Bright color
• Finger foods
• Small portions
• Soft & lukewarm
• Mild flavored -
School-aged
As children grow older, their food tastes gradually change. They will tend to eat larger servings and enjoy a greater variety of foods. Parents should encourage children to try new foods. Children ages 9 and over need a third of a cup of milk each day. All food choices should be nutrient dense to promote growth and development. Between the ages 6-12 children, develop many of the food habits they will follow throughout life. -
Teen-aged
All teenagers undergo a period of rapid growth called a growth spurt. Teens can increase portion sizes where needed to supply additional energy and nutrients. Many teens have busy schedules which cause them to skip meals. Teens tend to grab food on the go which are often low in nutrient density. All these factors put teens, especially girls, at a risk of nutrient deficiencies. Snacks often count for one-fourth of a teen’s total daily calorie intake. -
Adults 18+
Energy needs decreases as people become older. Even active adults require fewer calories than teenagers. Many adults suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Jobs, family responsibilities and other activities make many demands on adults’ schedules. Because of that many do not take the time to eat properly. -
older adults 50+
The daily need for calcium increases for adults over age 50. As people grow older they often decrease their physical activity. The recommended energy intake for active men 51 years of age is about 2,800 calories. Daily calorie levels are lower for older adults than younger adults. Older adults must focus on foods that are nutrient dense. These foods will provide most of the nutrients that are low in the diets of many older adults.
