HEALTHY FEEDING AND EATING PRACTICES
Meaning of Feeding
Feeding is the process of giving the body necessary food for growth, energy, and overall health. It involves selecting and consuming nutritious meals to support proper development and maintain good health.
Importance of Healthy Feeding Habits
- Promote proper growth and development.
- Enhance immunity and prevent illnesses.
- Reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
- Improve energy levels and concentration.
- Support healthy body weight and physical fitness.
Healthy Feeding Practices
- Eat Adequate Meals Daily: Ensure meals are balanced and include all essential nutrients.
- Consume a Variety of Foods: Incorporate foods from all food groups—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Use Foods in Season: Seasonal foods are often fresher, more nutritious, and cost-effective.
- Limit Intake of Sugar, Salt, and Fats: Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like obesity and hypertension.
- Avoid Replacing Meals with Soft Drinks: Beverages should complement meals, not substitute them.
Healthy Eating Habits (Table Manners)
- Chew Food Properly: Helps in digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Eat in a Hygienic Environment: Use clean utensils and sit in a clean area.
- Do Not Rush Meals: Eating slowly aids digestion and prevents overeating.
- Wash Hands Before and After Eating: Reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Avoid Talking with Mouth Full: Promotes better digestion and social etiquette.
Effects of Unhealthy Feeding Practices
- Malnutrition: Conditions like kwashiorkor and marasmus due to inadequate nutrition.
- Obesity: Excessive intake of high-calorie foods leading to weight gain.
- Kwashiorkor – protein deficiency leading to swelling and weak muscles.
- Chronic Diseases: Increased risk of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Stomach ache – from overeating, eating too fast, or unhygienic food.
- Indigestion and nausea – from consuming spoiled, contaminated, or inappropriate food.
Food Additives
Meaning
Food Additives are Substances added to food to enhance flavor, color, texture, or shelf life.
Uses of food Additives
- Preserve food.
- Improve taste and appearance.
- Maintain texture and consistency.
Misuses: Overuse or use of harmful additives can cause health problems.
Detection: Some additives can be detected by changes in taste, color, or chemical tests.
Food Contaminants
Food Contaminants are Harmful substances that may accidentally get into food.
Examples of food Contaminants
- Spoilt fruits and vegetables.
- Undercooked food.
- Banned additives or chemicals.
Prevention: Proper hygiene, careful food selection, and correct storage methods.
Harmful Substances That Should Not Be Consumed
- Spoilt or rotten food.
- Banned or harmful additives.
- Undercooked or contaminated foods.
- Foods that may cause allergies or poisoning.
Revision Questions
- Define feeding and explain why healthy feeding habits are important.
- List four healthy feeding practices and briefly explain each.
- Mention three healthy eating habits and explain how they help the body.
- State two effects of unhealthy feeding practices and give examples.
- What are food additives? Give two examples of their uses and one example of misuse.
- Identify three food contaminants or harmful substances that should not be consumed and explain why.
