Healthy, adequate and balanced nutrition is of great importance in childhood, as in all ages. The main purpose of children's nutrition is to ensure healthy growth and development, that is, physical and mental change processes.

Thus, the child's growth values such as height and weight increase at the level expected. Due to rapid growth and development, preschool children's need for many nutrients is higher than in other periods of life. Nutritional habits acquired in childhood lay the groundwork for a healthier life in the future. Some studies show that many diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance and diabetes in adulthood are related to nutrition in childhood. We must teach our children that they should consume all food groups in certain amounts, not just one food or meal. We can start healthy eating by involving children in the selection and preparation of foods.

Since they are in the growth process, their bodies need protein, so we should ensure that they consume eggs, red and white meat, milk and dairy products in 3-4 portions a day. Generally, children are deficient in iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Therefore, in addition to nutrition, you can use vitamin-mineral supplements by consulting your doctor. You can plan your meals as 3 main meals and 3 snacks. You can put healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruits and fresh fruits) in his bag that he can consume as a snack on the way to school. To ensure Omega 3 intake, we should include fish twice a week, 2 walnuts every day and dark green leafy vegetables. Fats are the most important source of energy. And the brain. It is important for development. Therefore, healthy fat types should be consumed daily. Foods with high saturated fat content should be avoided. The majority of carbohydrates in childhood nutrition consist of unhealthy foods such as sugar, wafers, chocolate, acidic drinks, ready-made fruit juices. Instead of these, fruits, honey, Natural sugar should be taken from molasses. Nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and healthy fats such as olive oil and butter should be consumed. Children's portion sizes do not have to be as much as adults.

So don't expect your child to eat as much as you do. In order for children to experience a healthy growth and development process, we must ensure that they perform an average of 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Another healthy behavior is water consumption. It is very important to make sure your child drinks enough fluids, especially when they are physically active.