1.1 Outline the nutritional requirements of a healthy diet for children and young people
A healthy diet for children should be composed of 3 meals a day and a snack covering the right amount of calories for a full day and containing the following elements:
* 30% of carbohydrates (Starchy) foods such as potatoes, yarns or plantain and (preferably wholemeal when the children digestive system is mature enough) grain like rice, wheat, oats, barley etc…or some pulses. This food group offers a sustained energy level as well as calcium, iron and vitamin B. * At least 5 helpings of fruit or vegetable in raw, cooked, tinned dried or frozen form but limiting fruit juices to one serving only as they lack sufficient fibre. These are a…show more content… Too much fat in the diet can lead to obesity, too much sugar has been linked too diabetes and too much salt can cause tiredness and cramps and can lead to high blood pressure.
It is important to remember however that the body does need some fat to function correctly and that a diet containing too little calories and no fat can also be unhealthy (Fat is necessary to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K and is needed to provide energy). This means that children who are dieting can put themselves at risk too, as they can get iron deficiency which can lead to anaemia or calcium deficiency which creates teeth and bones problems and a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life.
2.3 Describe how to recognise and deal with allergenic reactions to food
Allergenic reactions can have immediate and life-threatening effects, for this reason all staff should be made aware of children having food allergies. Allergenic reaction can show the following symptoms:
- Tingling or burning sensation of the lips and mouth.
- swelling of the lips and/or face.
- wheezing.
- Nausea, vomiting and/or stomach pains.
- Itchy skin and/or blotchy skin rash.
In severe cases an
