Health and Wellness

Daily Meals There are three main groups of foods ; 1) Body-building foods e.g proteins. 2) Energy-giving foods e.g carbohydrates and fats. 3) Protective foods e.g minerals and vitamins. Foods we eat daily must be from each one of the above-mentioned groups, so as to ensure the supply of the required nutrients in the most digestible form. A minimum of three meals ought to be eaten every day. It is imperative that a meal be eaten in the morning for energy to start the day's work. Eat fruit every day, particularly in the morning. This stimulates bowel action. Ensure you select foods in season for quality and cost effectiveness. Breakfast-This is the first meal of the day. The quantity largely depends on the requirements of the individual. Mid-day and evening meals- The size and character will vary with the individual and family. Meals for children- Children require more body-building food than adults for the daily upkeep and growth of their bodies: eggs, fish, meat, beans and peas. Infants and young children- young children can eat only small amounts in each meal, therefore the value of food must be high. The protective foods are important, e.g fruit, vegetables, milk, fruit juice should be given daily, e.g. orange, tomato juice. Milk is a very important food. Carbohydrates and fats are required to give energy. Young children should be given good nourishing and easily digested foods. School children-They are very active and therefore have a greater need for calories than adults. They have large appetites. Adolescents-They have nutritional needs that are higher in many ways than those of other groups of people. They have large appetites which should be satisfied with foods of high nutritional value. Take note that as food loses its freshness it tends to lose its nutrient value too, and food that has begun to decay can be harmful to your health.