Children's Health
Nutritional Health
Nutritious Diet for Children - The Hallmark of Health and Learning
A nutritious diet for children who are undernourished and those with special needs, is crucial for their intellectual and mental development, building their immune system and overall well-being.
Depending on the child's condition (autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, chronic malnourishment, among others), there may be specific nutritional challenges, digestive issues, food allergies, or different caloric and nutritional requirements.
Families without sufficient resources and access to nutritional counseling often do not have their children on the path of good nutrition. We envision a restaurant style kitchen where meal preparation and nutritional learning classes, vocational training to work in the food industry or even become a chef will be offered.
Examples of Nutritious Foods
High-Quality Protein Sources
✅ Lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef) – for muscle development.
✅ Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) – rich in omega-3 fatty acids for brain health.
✅ Eggs – a complete source of protein and choline, essential for memory.
✅ Legumes (lentils, beans) – ideal for children with dairy intolerance.
✅ Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) – provide calcium for bone development (use lactose-free options if needed).
Healthy Carbohydrates
✅ Oats – excellent for sustained energy and digestion.
✅ Brown rice – easy to digest and rich in fiber.
✅ Pinto beans – easy to digest and rich in fiber and combine with corn, make a complete protein.
✅ Potatoes and sweet potatoes – natural sources of energy and vitamin A.
✅ Whole wheat bread – a better option than refined grains due to their fiber content.
Healthy Fats
✅ Avocado – ideal for brain and heart health.
✅ Olive oil – great for cooking and salad dressings.
✅ Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia, flaxseed) – rich in
omega-3 and protein (ground or in butter form too).
Nutritious Fruits and Vegetables
✅ Fruits rich in antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries, apples, oranges) – support immune and brain health.
✅ Leafy green vegetables (spinach, broccoli) – rich in iron and calcium.
✅ Carrots and pumpkin – beneficial for vision and skin.
✅ Cucumber and celery – hydrating and easy to digest, a great snack.
Supplements and Adaptations
🔹 For children with autism: Gluten-free and casein-free diets may help in some cases, but always under supervision.
🔹 For children with undernourishment: It may be necessary to enrich foods with additional healthy calories to combat malnutrition.
🔹 For children with Down syndrome: Portion control and fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation and weight gain