Introduction
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.
FAQs on Nutrition Definition for Kids
1. What is nutrition in a simple way for kids?
Nutrition is the process of getting the right kind of food for our body to get energy, grow strong, and stay healthy. Think of it like putting the right fuel in a car. Good food is the best fuel for your body!
2. What is a nutrient?
A nutrient is a special substance inside our food that our body uses to function. Just like a building needs bricks, cement, and water, our body needs different nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins to be built strong and work properly.
3. Why is good nutrition so important for growing kids?
Good nutrition is super important for kids because your bodies are growing and developing very fast. Eating healthy food helps you to:
Build strong bones and muscles.
Have enough energy to play, run, and learn.
Keep your brain sharp for studying and solving puzzles.
Fight off sickness like colds and flu more easily.
4. What are the main types of nutrients our body needs?
Our body needs several types of nutrients to stay in top shape. The main ones are:
Carbohydrates: For quick energy (found in bread, rice, potatoes).
Proteins: For building and repairing our body (found in milk, eggs, pulses).
Fats: For storing energy and keeping us warm (found in nuts, oil, butter).
Vitamins and Minerals: For protecting us from diseases and helping our body work well (found in fruits and vegetables).
5. Can you give some examples of healthy, nutritious foods?
Absolutely! Healthy foods are full of good nutrients. Some great examples are fresh fruits like apples and bananas, colourful vegetables like carrots and spinach, dairy products like milk and yogurt, and protein sources like eggs and lentils (dal).
6. What is the difference between healthy food and junk food?
The main difference is the kind of nutrients they have. Healthy food (like salads, fruits, dal-roti) is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that help your body grow. Junk food (like chips, pizza, and sugary sodas) is often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, with very few good nutrients. It might taste good, but it doesn't give your body the fuel it needs.
7. Why can't I just eat french fries and drink fruit juice all day?
While french fries and fruit juice are tasty, they are not a good choice for every meal. French fries have a lot of unhealthy fat and salt, which can make you gain weight unhealthily. Many fruit juices have a lot of hidden sugar, almost as much as a soft drink, without the good fibre that whole fruits have. Your body needs a variety of nutrients that these foods alone cannot provide.
8. How does drinking water help with nutrition?
Water is a super nutrient! It doesn't give you energy like carbohydrates, but it's essential for nutrition because it helps your body do many things. It helps carry all the other nutrients from your food to different parts of your body. It also helps in digestion and getting rid of waste, keeping you fresh and active.
9. What are calories and are they bad for me?
A calorie is a unit of measurement for energy. The food we eat provides our body with calories, which is the energy we need to walk, talk, play, and even think. Calories are not bad; we need them to live! The key is to get the right amount of calories from nutritious food, not from junk food which gives "empty calories" without any good nutrients.
10. How does good nutrition help me study and play better?
Good nutrition directly fuels your brain and body. When you eat healthy food, your brain gets the energy it needs to focus in class, remember what you learn, and solve problems. For playing, nutritious food builds strong muscles and bones, giving you the stamina and strength to run faster, play longer, and avoid getting tired quickly.
