Nutrition Through the Life Cycle

General Nutritional Needs

Good nutrition:Resists diseaseHelps decrease

recuperation timeSupplies energy

Exercise is important throughout the life cycle.

Proper amounts of fiber in the diet is directly linked to preventing many health problems.

The Life Cycle

Prenatal (before birth)Infant (0-11 months)Child (1-11 years)Adolescent (12-20 years)Adult (21-60 years)Elderly (60+ years)

Prenatal Nutrition The major nutrients that a mother needs during

pregnancy are: Protein (helps build baby’s body tissue) Iron (helps with blood supply) Calcium (helps with bone growth and health) Folic Acid (helps prevent Spina Bifida)

Pregnant women need folic acid within the first 28 days to help prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Excellent food sources include: high protein foods such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, beans, enriched breads and cereals, fruits, and dark green vegetables.

Infant Nutrition

Feeding Newborns:Two choices for feeding newborn

infants: breast-feeding and bottle feeding.

After the first four months, the baby will be ready for “solid” food.

Can you give a baby honey?

NO!! Why not? Botulism! Spores grow in their

digestive tractsCan be fatal

Child Nutrition

Childhood Nutrition

1 T of food for each year of the child’s life.Kids have small stomachs! They will need snacks to

maintain their energy throughout the day. Nutrient dense snack ideas: juice, yogurt, milk, fruit,

vegetables, cooked meat, unsweetened cereal, whole grain crackers.

Childhood Nutrition

Follow the MyPlate Guidelines for Kids (Based on ages 6-11). It states that every child needs:

Grains: 6 oz everyday, half being whole grains

Vegetables: 2 ½ cups everydayFruits: 1 ½ cups everydayMilk: 2 ½ cups everydayProtein: 5 oz everyday

Early Childhood NutritionServe foods that vary in color, texture,

shape, size, and temperature.Eat meals with children. Be a role-

model for good eating habits and behavior.

Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.

Don’t encourage children to become members of the “clean your plate society.”

When possible, let children choose what foods they want to eat for some meals.

Early Childhood Nutrition

Teach children how to prepare nutrient-rich foods by and for themselves.

Introduce foods one at a time, not all at once.

Remember: Children’s taste-buds are very sensitive!

Child’s Meal Plan

Teen Nutrition

Adolescents need extra nutrients to support growthGoal: Follow MyPlate GuidelinesDairy: 3 C per dayProtein: 5-6 oz per dayGrains: 6-8 oz per dayVegetables: 2 ½ - 3 C per dayFruits: 1 ½ - 2 C per dayTwo biggest nutrition problems:

ObesityEating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia)

3 Keys to Healthy Eating

VARIETY

MODERATION

BALANCE

Iron

Teen Females need 15 mg/dayTeen Males need 12 mg/dayGood sources:

Meat, poultry, fish, cereal, beans, green leafy vegetables

Special Nutritional ConcernsEating Disorders

Eating disorders involve physiological changes associated with food.

Anorexia Nervosa: psychological loss or denial of appetite and self-starvation

Bulimia Nervosa: large quantities of food are eaten at one time (binging) and then purged from the body by vomiting or use of laxatives

Outward Signs of Eating Disorders1. Preoccupation with food2. Person becomes irritable and

hostile3. Person refuses to eat or eats

very little4. Person is excessively critical of

themselves5. Person looks emaciated6. Hair loss7. Bruising8. Dental decay9. Lanugo

Physical Effects of Eating Disorders

1. Lowered body temperature

2. Metabolism slows down

3. Decreased heart rate

4. Iron-deficiency anemia

5. Rough, dry, scaly and cold skin

6. Low blood potassium

7. Decreased bone mass (osteoporosis) and muscle mass

8. Possible loss of teeth

9. Muscle tears and fractures in athletes

How can you help a friend?

Be sensitive Let them know that you are there to help and to be a

friend. Talk to a trusted adult to set up appointments for

professional help The most important thing you can do is be a support

for your friend. Let them know that you are there for them no matter what.

You are Special

video

Healthy Snacks!

Adults

Metabolism slows down; in general, total food intake need to be reduced.

Metabolism: chemical process in the body that provides energy in useful forms to sustain vital activities.

Exercise is an important component to balancing calories.

Sedentary lifestyle creates a greater need for daily exercise.

Adults and MyPlate

Fruit: 1 ½ - 2 C per dayVegetables: 2 ½ - 3 C per dayGrains: 6-7 oz per dayProtein: 5-6 oz per dayDairy: 3 C per day

Feel Better Today, Stay Healthy for Tomorrow!

Make smart choices from every food group.

Find your balance between food and physical activity.

Get the most nutrition out of your calorieseat nutrient dense foods.

Exercise Plan for an Adult!

The Aging and the Elderly

Use less energy, need fewer calories Still need same amount of nutrients!

Nutrient dense foods are important.Taste sensations and smells are less sensitive.

Elderly Diet Video

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

The Aging and the ElderlyVarious physical and mental

challenges may limit ability to purchase and prepare foods.

Malnutrition is a concern, especially for those who live alone.

Many health concerns related to aging affect eating habits and food choices.

MyPlate for the Elderly

Fruit: 1 ½ - 2 C per dayVegetables: 2-2 ½ C per dayGrain: 5-6 oz per dayProtein: 5-5 ½ oz per dayDairy: 3 C per day

Tips to Improve Nutrition

Buy frozen dinners or pre-cooked food“Eat out” at a senior centerShare shopping and cooking duties with a

friend or neighborEat food that is soft, chop/grind foodAdd gravy or sauce to make it moistThick soup, fruit smoothies, milkshakes,

and hot cereals are good choices

Elderly meal plan