Nutrition Definition for Kids

The basic nutrition definition for kids to understand is ‘the source of food through which living organisms get the energy to do work and to live their life fully.’ Nutrition is present in all the food items eaten by us. It can be present either in small quantities or can be present in large quantities.

Nutrient-Rich Food

Mode of Nutrition 

There are two main modes of nutrition.

• Autotrophic Mode of Nutrition - the living organism like plants, that take in light sources like sunlight to make their food are called autotrophs. 

• Heterotrophic Mode of Nutrition - living organisms like animals and human beings that eat food from plant parts or animals to gain energy are called heterotrophs.

Example of Autotrophs and Heterotrophs 

Essential Nutrients Required By The Body 

There are five important nutrients required by the body to work and stay healthy.

• Carbohydrates - Provide energy to the body and are present in food items like bread, oatmeal, rice and whole grains. 

• Proteins - Provide energy as well as repair and build body tissues like skin, hair, bone and muscle. It is present in food items like fish, eggs, nuts (almonds, cashew etc.,), beans, peas and many more. 

• Fats - Provides energy in the absence of carbohydrates, insulates the body (keeps the body warm) and also protects the internal organs. It is present in different types of oils, fish, nuts, and avocados. 

• Vitamins and Minerals - Required for the growth and development of the body. It is found in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. 

• Water - is the most important nutrient which helps in the movement of other nutrients in the body.

Sources of Nutrients

Plating Method 

My plate method is a way to make sure that you are taking all the essential nutrients in the right quantity. You can do that by dividing your plate into three parts-

• The first half should contain fruits and vegetables in it. 

• The next one-fourth part of the plate should have food items made of whole grains.

• The next one-fourth part of the plate should contain lean protein. 

• Other than this kids should also include a glass of milk or glass of water to prevent overeating.

My Plate Method

Why is Nutrition Important?

An appropriate amount of nutrition should be available to the kids to prevent them from slow growth and various deficiencies. To achieve this goal it is necessary to follow below mentioned points.

• The Source of carbohydrates should be healthy fruits and vegetables. Food containing too many potatoes, white flour processed and sugary food products should be avoided. 

• Use of good and healthy cooking oil should be done while cooking food for kids. 

• Sugary food products, carbonated drinks, and junk food should not replace everyday eating food products. These processed food items should be consumed rarely. 

• Also, eat different coloured fruits and vegetables daily. 

Nutrition Facts For Kids 

• Tomatoes are fruits. 

• Cucumbers help in hydrating your body. 

• Eating junk food regularly will lead to many health problems. 

• Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin C and calcium. 

• Egg contains the highest protein content in it. 

Nutrition Worksheet for Kids 

1. How many essential nutrients are required by the human body? 

2. Name the sources of proteins. 

Ans: Some of the major sources of proteins include yoghurt, peanut butter, lentils, seeds, nuts, eggs and green peas.

3. Nutrition is required by our body for 

a) Growth 

b) Energy 

c) Repair and building of tissues

d) All of the above

Ans: All of the above

Explanation: Our body keeps on growing and constantly needs energy for that. The energy is taken by the nutrition that we get from the food. The body also needs nutrition to repair the damaged cells and tissues of the body.

4. Which one is not a healthy carbohydrate? 

a) Bread 

b) Legumes 

c) Soft drinks 

d) Rice

Ans: Soft drinks

Explanation: Soft drinks are not healthy as they have artificial sweeteners and are made up of man-made components which are not good for the body. Bread, legumes and rice are obtained from nature or are made using the components present in nature which are rich in natural nutrients making them healthy forms of carbohydrates.

5. Burgers can be consumed daily. 

a) True 

b) False

Ans: False

Explanation: Burgers can't be consumed daily as they have an unhealthy amount of calories and fat present in them. If we consume burgers daily then we may not receive all the other nutrients which are essential for our bodies. It may also lead to unhealthy weight gain and may cause various diseases.

Conclusion 

Nutrition is important for growing kids as eating the correct amount of various nutrients would give them the energy to make their bodies work and grow. The kids should eat a balanced diet which should include all the essential nutrients in it in the right quantity. Drinking water daily is also very important as it helps in removing the waste present in the body.