A balanced diet plays an important role in the physical development and prevention of diseases of children., which, is based not only on the scientifically grounded use of dairy, meat, fish and other products, but also on the mandatory use of vegetables, fruits and berries in the nutrition of a growing body.

Rational nutrition of children and adolescents is built taking into account the general physiological and hygienic requirements for food. The quantitative and quality nutrition of children is somewhat different from the needs of adults and even more so for the elderly., what is associated with the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the growing organism. Properly constructed nutrition is of great importance for the normal physical and neuropsychic development of children., increases working capacity and academic performance, endurance, resistance to adverse environmental influences, to infectious and other diseases.

Lack or excess of food often causes diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, excessive weight gain, up to the development of obesity, or, vice versa, leads to emaciation, etc.. d. Nutritional defects do not always immediately affect health. More often they appear later., in the process of life, under unfavorable external conditions, diseases, increased teaching load at school, and sometimes in more mature years.

Well-known experts in the field of baby food consider, that the prevention of many diseases, emerging in adults (arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc.), should not be conducted from adolescence or adolescence, and from early childhood and even during pregnancy, women. From time immemorial, a conviction came to us, that the expectant mother should eat for two - for herself and the future baby. While this wish was difficult to fulfill due to lack of food, it did no harm. But today, pregnant women often eat too much and often.. Science established, that the expectant mother significantly increases the need for protein, vitamins and minerals, and in fats and carbohydrates almost does not increase. Proven in animal experiments, that when consumed during pregnancy, food, protein rich, offspring were born small, but strong, viable, developed well. If the females were given food in excess, containing carbohydrates, that offspring were large, but the cubs suffered from metabolic disorders, were sick, poorly developed.

In cases, when during pregnancy the weight gain reaches 1-5 kg and more, women are 2-3 times more likely to develop severe toxicosis, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, edema, etc.. d. The normal weight of a newborn boy is up to 3800 r, girls - before 3500 r. But in recent years, obstetricians often accept children weighing up to 5 kg. A large baby is often severely injured during childbirth (clavicle fractures, shoulder, intracranial injury), which even an experienced obstetrician cannot always prevent. Unfortunately, the number of such newborns is increasing every year.

But now the child was born. In the old days, in the overwhelming majority of cases, he was threatened by a hungry childhood., so the parents wanted, to make their baby thicker, better nourished, then he will live. But the danger of starvation is long gone, and parents continue to feed their babies, being the culprit of their future illnesses as a result.

If the newborn is fed on breast milk, the biological "sucking reflex" itself regulates the amount of incoming food. However, more and more babies are now getting milk from a bottle., which pours into their mouths without any effort, and mothers think: the more it pours in, all the better. Research has established, that such children get fat, than those, who were fed with mother's milk.

The child grows up with the desire of loving parents to feed him as much and better as possible.. The kid gets fat. He has more and more new fat cells.. Parents are happy, without knowing, that these cells will never disappear. Each of them can decrease in size with prolonged fasting., but will last forever. This is how loving parents prepare an unhappy fate for their baby., who will suffer all his life with a various restrictive diet.

The mother-to-be needs “follow the general principles of good nutrition, which are outlined in the previous section of the book, and also study baby food well.

Of all nutrients, children and adolescents have the most acute need for protein., which are necessary not only to replace losses in structural cellular elements and energy, but also for the growth and development of the body. The smaller the child, the more he needs protein. for example, aged 1 years he needs to use 3,5 g protein per 1 kg body weight per day, in 7 years - 3 r, in 11 — 13 years - 2 r, in 17 years - 1,7 r. For adults, with light physical activity, it is enough 1,2 — 1,3 r. Specific gravity of animal protein (milk, eggs, meat and fish) in the diets of children from 1 to 6 years should be 65 — 70%, at school age - 60% of the total amount of protein in the daily diet. The most valuable source of animal protein for a child's body is milk.. At the nursery age, the child is recommended to give daily 600 — 700 ml, schoolchildren - 400 — 500 ml.

For the effective use of animal proteins in baby food, it is advisable to provide a sufficient amount of plant proteins, contained in cereals and legumes, vegetables, fruit, berries, etc.. Legumes (peas, beans, beans, soybeans, etc.) in terms of protein content close to those of animal products, like meat, a fish, cottage cheese, eggs, and some even surpass them. for example, if in 100 g of meat available 16 — 20 g protein, fishes - 13 — 19 r, cottage cheese - 14 — 18 r, then in soybeans it reaches 35 r. In baby food, legumes (green bean pods, green peas, etc.) are an important source of valuable plant proteins. Children from 3 to 7 years, you need to give them daily for about 70 g with cereals and pasta.

In childhood, there is an increased need for irreplaceable, not synthesized in the body amino acids (basic structural units of a protein molecule), ensuring the normal course of processes, associated with the intensive growth and development of the child. At an early age, histidine is an essential amino acid, which children have before 3 years can not yet be synthesized in the required quantities for normal metabolism. Amino acids, along with vitamin A, are growth factors. This is lysine, tryptophan and histidine, which are rich in meat proteins, fish, as well as eggs and nuts. Eggs are a source of biologically active protein vitellin, which is in conjunction with lecithin. Vitelline plays an important role in the formation of the central nervous system as a supplier of plastic materials for the construction of nervous tissue, including brain cells. That's why baby before 3 years old must use daily 0,5 eggs and about 150 g meat and fish, and from 3 to 7 years - one egg and approximately 180 g meat and fish.

The importance of fat in children's nutrition is very diverse.. Fat intake in childhood is slightly increased due to the, that they represent more concentrated energy sources, than carbohydrates, and contain vitamins A and D vital for children, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, etc.. At the same time, excess fat in children's food is undesirable., as it disrupts the metabolic process, lowers appetite, upsets digestion and leads to obesity. With an excess of fat, protein absorption is impaired. The most biologically valuable source of fat for children is butter, cream, milk and other easily digestible dairy products,, as well as eggs. Children need vegetable oils, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which should be about 25-30% of the total fat in the diet, depending on age. From 3 to 7 years it is recommended to give 35 g creamy and 10 — 15 r (tablespoon) vegetable oil. For dressing vegetable salads, vinaigrette and side dishes, it is better to use unrefined vegetable oil, since phosphatides are stored in it, vitamins and other biologically valuable substances.

It is advisable to use natural plant products in baby food., rich in oils, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E. Walnuts and pine nuts are rich in these substances., Hazelnut, sunflower, peanut, pistachio, olives, etc..

Children from 3 to 7 years should be consumed daily 15 — 20 d of these products. rational nutrition carbohydrates fortification

Younger children need less carbohydrates, than older.

Excessive carbohydrates, especially contained in refined sugar, inhibits the growth and development of children, leads to a decrease in immunity and an increased incidence of dental caries. As known, unrefined (yellow) sugar does not stick to the surface of the teeth and contains such chemical compounds, which protect tooth enamel from decay. That is why it is desirable for making confectionery, soft drinks and other baby food use unrefined sugar. Scientific and practical research shows, what do children have, eating food with a large predominance of carbohydrates, there is a decrease in muscle tone, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, overweight and even obesity. These children are more likely to get sick, diseases are more severe and often accompanied by complications.

Protein ratio, fat and carbohydrates at a young age should be 1:1:3, in senior - 1:1:4.

Vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates for children., fruits, berries and fresh juices, and also milk, lactose containing milk sugar. In the diet of children, cookies need to be regulated within the physiological needs, lozenge, candies, jam and other confectionery products - no more than 19-25 g daily, depending on age. Children and adolescents are advised to give 20% simple sugars (glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose), 75% starch, 3% pectin substances and 2% fiber from the total amount of carbohydrates in the daily diet. Children from 3 to 7 years should be consumed daily no more than 60 g sugar, 340 g bakery and pasta and cereals, as well as 700-800 g of fresh fruit, berries, vegetables and their juices.

Children are more sensitive to any vitamin deficiency, than adults. With growth processes, the need for them increases.. In addition to specific painful manifestations, associated with vitamin deficiency, children have some lethargy, pallor, fast fatiguability, sometimes knee pain, decreased appetite, etc.. Vitamins A and D are especially important for them., deficiency of which leads to stunted growth, weight loss, visual impairment, the appearance of rickets, caries and other unfavorable, consequences.

Lack of vitamin A leads to such severe eye damage, like losing the ability to twilight (night) vision (night blindness), dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, leading to ulceration and necrosis. Even a small vitamin A deficiency makes children more susceptible to gastrointestinal and. lung infections, increases mortality, due to these conditions. Younger children are especially vulnerable, since they have a higher need for vitamin A and they are more likely to suffer from febrile illnesses, depleting its reserves. There is no deep vitamin A deficiency in our country. However, a hypovitaminosis state without the development of blindness can be observed if the diet of children is disturbed., in the absence of products in it, containing vitamin A. In the winter-spring period, in agreement with the attending physician, it is recommended to carry out A-vitaminization of food in small doses.

Children and adolescents are susceptible to vitamin C deficiency. It should be taken regularly with food., as it is necessary for very important life processes. The main source of vitamin C is vegetables, berries, fruits. These herbal products are recommended for daily use in baby foods.. So, fresh vegetables for students in grades 9-10, fruits and their juices must be at least 900 g per day. Especially useful are fruit juices mixed with milk. (cocktails), as they improve all types of metabolism.

Vitamin content in food varies considerably depending on the season., storage conditions and food quality. According to the current order of the USSR Ministry of Health from 24 August 1972 g., № 695, "On the further improvement of the obligatory C-vitaminization of nutrition carried out in the USSR in medical and prophylactic and other institutions", in nurseries and kindergartens, orphanages, children's hospitals, sanatoriums and dispensaries, children's dairy kitchens, boarding schools, forestry schools, vocational schools, canteens of schools provide for mandatory C-vitaminization of ready-made food. Children under one year old are added 30 mg vitamin C, from 1 years to b years - 40 mg, from 6 to 12 years - 50 mg, from 12 to 17 years - 70 mg per day.

Food fortification should be carried out in accordance with the current "Instruction for C-nutritional vitaminization", approved by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the USSR on June 6 1972 g., № 978 — 72 and agreed with the Presidium of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions 30 april 1972 g., № 14 - 14a. This is due to the fact, that a significant part of ascorbic acid is destroyed during cooking. In prepared food, its content is often only 10 — 30% from the original amount, and in case of gross violations of the cooking technology, vitamin C may be completely absent.

It is preferable to fortify the third course of the lunch - compote, jelly, tea, milk, kefir, but you can also the first. To do this, ascorbic acid in the form of tablets or powder is weighed on a technological balance based on the norm and the number of servings and dissolved in 0.5-1 glass of the liquid part of the dish. The resulting solution is poured into the boiler for 15 minutes before dispensing food, since through 1 an hour after fortification is destroyed 10% ascorbic acid, across 1,5 o'clock - 17%, across 2,5 hours - 25-50%. It is impossible to heat fortified food, as this destroys vitamin C completely.

Minerals, like proteins, are plastic (construction) material. They are essential in the nutrition of children for the growth and development of the skeleton and teeth.. Moreover, mineral elements are involved in the regulation of the acid-base state of the body. Scientists have proven, that a slightly alkaline reaction is maintained in the blood and intercellular fluids, a change in which is reflected in the chemical processes in cells and the state of the whole organism. Depending on the mineral composition, some products (vegetables, fruits, berries, milk) cause shifts towards an alkaline reaction, while others (meat, a fish, eggs, bread, cereals) - acid state. Alkaline products are used for circulatory failure, impaired renal and liver function, with severe forms of diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis, etc.. d. Alkaline diets in combination with other health-improving measures are advisable to recommend for the prevention of myopia, since in children with this pathology, the alkaline reserve of blood is significantly reduced and its acidity is reduced.

For the regulation of water-salt metabolism, maintaining osmotic pressure in cells and intercellular fluids requires mineral elements, as they facilitate the movement of nutrients and metabolic products. Normal function of the nervous system is impossible without minerals., cardiovascular, digestive and other systems. They also affect the protective functions of the body and its immunity.. Normal processes of hematopoiesis and blood clotting cannot occur without the participation of iron., copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, potassium and other minerals, which are part of enzymes or activate the action of hormones and vitamins, participating in all types of metabolism.

For a growing body, calcium salts are of the greatest importance., phosphorus and iron. Regular mixed food supplies children with the necessary amount of minerals in the event, if it contains enough milk and dairy products - important sources of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of these elements from the intestines and their deposition in the bones., which is found in animal products (fish liver, fatty fish, eggs, caviar, milk fats). This vitamin is formed in the skin by exposure to sunlight., therefore, children need to be outdoors every day, sunbathe in moderation, which, together with other important health factors, are of particular importance in enriching the growing body with vitamin D, contributing to the improvement of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, correct growth and development of the skeleton and teeth.

There are not enough sunny days in the northern regions of our country, which reduces the level of satisfaction of the body in vitamin D. In these cases, it is recommended, in agreement with the attending physician, moderate D-vitaminization of children's food, pregnant women and nursing mothers, necessary for the normal exchange of calcium and phosphorus.

Iron is vital in baby food, since it is directly involved in the processes of hematopoiesis and tissue respiration. Iron is part of hemoglobin, delivering oxygen to organs and tissues, myoglobin muscle, enzymes, providing respiratory processes in the body. With its lack of food, children can get anemia.. The largest amount of iron assimilated by the body comes with meat products (15— 30%). The content of this element in bread is high enough, eggs and vegetables, but due to the presence in them and a large amount of oxalic acid, binding iron into insoluble complexes, it is absorbed no more 2 5%. Very little iron in dairy products. In fruit, berries and some vegetables, too little of it, but it is absorbed well, therefore these products are good for children.

For a nutritious diet for children and adolescents, it is recommended to use a varied assortment of vegetables., fruits and berries. Tubers (mostly potatoes) usually make up about 1/3 of all vegetables and fruits in baby food.

To maintain and improve the health of children, it is important to combine a rational diet and a properly organized daily routine., as it has a positive effect on behavior, physical development of children and their body's resistance to unfavorable environmental factors. For children over one year old, the most optimal is four meals a day.. Relatively even distribution of food calories and essential nutrients throughout the day is advisable. For young children, breakfast should be 25%, dinner - 30%, afternoon tea - 20%, dinner - 25% total daily calorie intake. For older children - respectively 25, 35, 15 and 25%. Amount of food, used by the child: lump sum, must be age appropriate.

Beginning with 11 years, the need for nutrients and energy in boys is higher, than girls, therefore, they should receive food by J0-15% more. For teenagers, students in industrial and technical schools, as well as for children, going in for sports, the need for nutrients and energy increases by 10-15%, what you need to consider when organizing food. For children, going in for sports, it is recommended to distribute food taking into account the training time during the day.

It is recommended to give a small amount of easily digestible and high-calorie food before training.. If training during the day, then breakfast should be no later than 2 hours before physical activity and make up 35%, lunch - no earlier than an hour after training - 35%, afternoon tea - 5%, and dinner - 25% total energy value of the daily diet.

When feeding children, it is necessary to take into account not only the amount and volume of food according to age, but also the features of culinary processing. Children “young people should be fed from foods, more thoroughly cooked, than older. So, a child of one and a half years old are recommended meat steamed cutlets and meatballs, steam casseroles. With age, the range of dishes expands and their culinary processing changes.. Steamed vegetables can be used instead of mashed potatoes., unpeeled porridge, cereal and vegetable cutlets, casseroles. A 2-3-year-old child is introduced to fried cutlets, boiled, stewed and fried potatoes.

The organization of rational nutrition for children and adolescents provides for mandatory registration of their health status. So, for groups of children, have had acute kidney disease, liver, biliary tract, stomach and intestines, as well as for children, suffering from chronic diseases of these organs, sparing diets are recommended. In such cases, nutrition is based on the optimal provision of children with all basic food ingredients, including a variety of products and a special form of their culinary processing.. Meat and fish are boiled or steamed chopped. Boil cereals and vegetables until soft and make mashed potatoes. Light baking of dishes in the oven is allowed. Fried dishes are completely excluded. Only vegetarian soups are prepared. Do not use such products, like pork, beef and lamb lard, margarine, fatty meats, birds and fish, brain, smoked meats, butter dough, cakes, dumplings, pancakes, coffee, cocoa, chocolate and hot spices.

Rational nutrition not only satisfies the physiological needs of children for nutrients and energy. It also improves performance and academic performance and builds the habit of conscientious eating habits in children., wise use of a variety of products, with the obligatory daily consumption of vegetables and fruits. Moreover, such eating will contribute to the acquisition of cultural eating and table behavior.