1.         INFANCY (birth to 1 year)

  • Breast milk or infant formula
  • Pureed foods high in nutrients
  • (40 to 50% of caloric intake from fat sources)

2.         TODDLERS / PRE-SCHOOLER (1 to 5 years)

  • Foods high in nutrients especially:  folic acid, vitamin A, B6, C, E, calcium, iron, & zinc
  • (fat intake should be 30% of total calories)
  • Finger type foods
  • Small portions
  • BEWARE OF CHOKING!

3.         SCHOOL AGE (5 to 12 years)

  • Start with a healthy breakfast
  • Balanced diet with nutritious snacks
  • Need foods rich in:     folic acid, vitamin A, B6, C, E, calcium, iron, & zinc

4.         ADOLESCENCE (13 to 19 years)

  • Select foods rich in calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, D, E, & C
  • Select foods high in calories (eg. complex carbohydrates)
  • Select foods low in fat and sugar content
  • Eat plenty of grains and fresh vegetables and fruits
READ:
Mental & Physical Development over Lifespan

5.         EARLY ADULTHOOD (19 to 30 years)

  • Select foods low in fat and low in calories
  • Select foods high in calcium, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C
  • Select nutritious convenience foods (if necessary)

6.         PREGNANT / BREASTFEEDING MOTHER

  • Select well balanced meals and nutritious snacks (+ need to increase caloric intake)
  • Select foods high in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, iron, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, folic acid, &  vitamin B12
  • NO SMOKING!  NO ALCOHOL!

7.         MIDDLE YEARS (30 to 60 years)

  • Select foods low in fat, cholesterol and calories
  • Select foods high in calcium and fibre

8.         AGING YEARS (60 years or older)

  • Select foods low in fat and cholesterol
  • Select low calorie foods that are nutrient dense
  • Select foods high in calcium, vitamin D, fibre, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12
  • Some elderly needs may require well-cooked foods—softer for ease of chewing and digestion (ie. carrots)
author avatar
William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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