nutritional and dietary needs of different groups of people

babies

babies are totally dependent on parents to provide food

What do babies need to eat

• energy dense filling foods

• easy to swallow foods

• food that is hygienic and safe

• milk is the ideal food for babies

• toddlers / pre schooled children

toddlers / pre school children

toddlers are growing fast and require lots of energy - complex carbs are the best source of energy

What do toddlers need to eat?

• balanced / varied diet

• encouraged to try new foods

• easy to hold, available in suitably sized portions with interesting shapes, colours textures etc.

• they are still reliant on their parents - still influenced by the media and their peer group

• products that meet current dietary guidelines on healthy yet filling foods - esp. for packed lunches

What do teenagers need to eat ?

foods that are are :

• fashionable

• quick and easy to prepare

• full of energy from complex carbohydrates

girls need iron , boys need plenty of carbohydrates - both need plenty of calcium and phosphorus

What do adults need to eat ?

adult’s dietary needs vary depending on lifestyle and occupation. Their energy requirements are lower than those of teenagers whilst the requirement for protein and most minerals and vitamins are similar or stay the same

What do older people need to eat ?

they still require a balanced diet supplying a good range of nutrient but they often suffer from loss of appetite

• appetising products in smaller quantities

• easy to prepare , nutritional meals with easy to open packaging is recommended

What do pregnant woman need to eat?

• protein for the growth of the baby calcium and vitamin D for both her and the babies bone and tooth development

• folic acid

• iron for the developing babies blood supply

• fruits and vegetables to provide vitamin C and fibre

• not too many fats and sugary foods

allergy ( food allergies and intolerances )