Different groups of people-infants, preschoolers, schoolchildren, adolescents and adults – have different food needs. Certainly they all need “square meals”, meals providing calories, protein, minerals and vitamins. Not all of them may need the same amounts nor the same proportions of food. Likewise, the methods of preparing food that may be suitable for some may not be suitable for others.
FOOD FOR THE INFANT
During their first year of life, infants may treble their weight at birth, increase their length, and develop in other ways. This is known as the “Stage of being” for their digestive tracts are not as completely developed as in any other period in their life. Furthermore, as their stomach capacity is small, care must be taken in providing their food needs.
FOOD FOR THE YOUNG SCHOOLCHILDREN
At this stage, children are very active. It is the time to get children started on their dietary road to good health. Milk should form a fairly large part of their diet. It contains protein which when digested, becomes amino acid and then becomes a source of strength. Growth during “Preschool stage” usually proceeds at a slower rate than it does in adolescence. Food needs are therefore relatively less. Nevertheless, a well-selected diet of easily digestible foods is important. It is very important for parents to recognize the facts that children are sensitive to temperatures, tastes, textures and flavors of foods. This sensitivity makes them fussy eaters and explains why a long time is required for them to learn to like a wide variety of food. The most common problem in feeding children is the “clean plate”. Children should be trained to eat whenever food is presented to them at mealtime.
The children may be active, but the teenagers are more active and busy with school work and in addition, they engage in strenuous activities. Plenty of food is needed to keep the engines running when so much work is being done. And when so much food is necessary, the digestive system is kept busy. Thus, only easily digested foods should be given to these young people. Since they grow very rapidly, adolescents should have an adequate supply of protein-rich foods.
FOOD FOR ADULTS
The amount of food needed will depend upon the activity of the individual. With the interesting and attractive variety of foods from which to choose, it sometimes requires much willpower on the part of the adults to eat only the amount of food they need. To eat just enough to maintain the normal weight is much wiser than overeat and store body fats that may cause many health problems.
Food is truly a part of our living. But the foods we eat vary according to our age group. This is caused by many factors. For example, the preschoolers have more appetite to eat than the adults. Another one is the taste buds. Teenagers eat spicy foods that may not be suitable for infants for they are still learning how to use their taste buds. There are also subtle differences between generations. During the adolescence period of our parents, the foods they eat are typically “green” and easily be picked from trees and crops. The processed foods do not exist at that time. But now, our generation are used to eating hotdogs, bacons and canned goods and as a result, they rarely eat or sometimes totally disregard eating fruits and vegetables.
The food guide above for different groups of people shall direct you to good health and long life. So please, eat foods that are suitable for your age. You don’t want your baby to be eating Wasabi right? Or the adults eating too much sweets? Failure to eat the right quality and quantity of food for you may lead to serious sickness and diseases. This is warning not only for adults, but also to the children.
Whatever age group you belong to, be sure that you are eating well, have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Food may be a normal part of our daily lives, but it doesn’t mean that we can neglect it. It is one of the important elements in our life that provides nutritional support for our body. SO, EAT WELL AND HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!
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