The health of a mother and her child are often intertwined. The health of the mother can greatly impact the health of her child, and vice versa. This is why maternal nutrition is just as important as child nutrition. Maternal nutrition should be focused on before conception and during pregnancy, but it should also be addressed for the entire life cycle.
A mother-to-be needs to make sure that she is getting enough nutrients for herself, which will then help provide for the needs of her child too. The most important nutrients that a pregnant woman needs are protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), vitamin B12 (found in meat), folic acid (found in leafy greens), and zinc (found in beans).
Good maternal nutrition during pregnancy promotes a healthy newborn weight. A healthy birth weight increases the chances of healthy growth. Good maternal nutrition during breastfeeding promotes the healthy growth of the baby.
Good nutrition is the most important foundation for a baby’s healthy and bright development from birth to three years. Chronic malnutrition in your baby will be irreversible after the age of two or three years.
Nutrition Tips During pregnancy:
- 1. Control of Maternal anemia due to iron deficiency
- 2. Proper dietary intake
- A qualified health service provider should offer advice to all expectant women regarding:
- Increasing energy intake by eating one more meal per day.
- Greater variety (cereals, starchy roots, animal products, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables).
- Less work to do (or at least have regular resting moments).
- All members of the family should use iodized salt every day.
- Monitor pregnancy weight gain.
Prepare to breastfeed.
- Starting breastfeeding within an hour of birth.
- Counselling of lady about the value of “First Milk,” or colostrum.
- Feeding for the first six months only breast milk; no other liquids or foods.
Children and Healthy Eating: Five Parental Advice
- Make a healthy eating plate for your children
- To ensure that meals are nourishing and balanced, balance their composition as follows :-
- 40% to 50% of vegetables, fruits, greens, berries, and root vegetables.
- Eggs, poultry, fish, offal, game, legumes, and soy products all contain 20–25% protein.
- Whole-grain products make up 25–30% of the diet, including whole-grain pasta, bread, crispbreads, oatmeal, pearl barley, and rice.
- Unrefined oils, seeds, and nuts make up 5–10% of the total fat content.
- You can also add 1-2 dairy products or plant-based substitutes for them. Select foods free of added sugar.
Here are a few simple formulas to help you decide which products to buy for your kid :
- An apple is preferable to apple purée. Purée is preferable to juice. Juice is superior to jam, and jam is superior to an apple-flavoured carbonated beverage.
- Oatmeal and whole pearl groats are superior to rolled groats. Whole-rolled groats outperform round-rolled groats. Round grain is superior to flour, and flour is superior to granola with syrup.
- Stewed beef tastes better when fried in oil. Even with a crust, roasted meat is superior to hot dogs.
