Principles of planning menus for Preschool(1-6 Years) and School(6-12 Years) Children

Principles of planning menus for Preschool Children (1-6 Years)

The diet should include a variety of foods.

The food should be interesting and attractive (eg) chapathis and puris can be made into different shapes.

Child should never be forced to eat more than he can take.

Food preferences of the child should be taken into consideration.

Flavour or color of the milk can be changed to encourage the child to drink more milk.

Milk can be given in other forms like milk shakes, ice creams etc.,

Regularity of meal times is essential.

The person feeding the child should not show any dislike of that food in front of the child.

The child should never be hurried while taking the food.

Different cooking methods and new attractive combinations encourage the child to eat more.

Some suggested recipes include noodles, tricolor sandwiches, milk shakes and ice creams.

Principles of planning menus for  School Children (6-12 Years)

Menus need to provide variety in colour, texture, taste and flavour.

Children do not like to spend too much time at the table for eating. So menus have to provide dishes that are quick to eat and yet satisfying nutritionally.

Nutritional requirement should meet their increasing activity and growth.

Children have varying appetites and often prefer snacky meals at frequent intervals to a few large ones.

New foods are likely to be accepted if it is given in a form, which can be easily handled, and they should be offered at regular intervals until the child learns to accept it.

The young child should be encouraged to eat with the rest of the family to help him to learn good eating habits.

Adolescence (13-18 Years)

Adequate well balanced nutritious foods should be taken to prevent obesity or under nutrition.

An adolescent girl should take enough calcium rich foods in her diet to increase bone density, which delays the onset of osteoporosis.

No meal of the day should be missed.

Avoid empty calorie foods such as carbonated beverages and junk foods.

Iron rich foods may be included in the diet to prevent anemia.

Calorie and protein rich foods should be taken to support the growth spurt.

Include fruits and vegetables in the diet to meet the vitamins, minerals and fibre requirement.

Eating habits should be independent of emotions.