Nutritional Nurturing in Early Childhood
Early childhood represents a time of significant physical changes, and science shows that during this period, children form lifelong food preferences and behaviors. Eating well at this stage helps children develop resilient bodies and healthy attitudes that will have a lasting impact on their health as adults. At the Helen Doron Academy, we consider children’s nutrition an integral component of our holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, playing a crucial role in the overall development of their skills and abilities.
The Food-Brain Connection
The food children consume fuels their physical growth and development and impact their mood, concentration, and learning capabilities. Research has demonstrated a clear connection between healthy eating and successful learning. At Helen Doron, we strongly emphasize nutritional balance, understanding that good health and nourishment facilitate learning and energy. We advocate a plant-based diet that benefits not only our bodies but our planet as well.
Building Strong, Healthy Bodies
Our dietary plan is strategically designed to provide essential nutrients for the children’s growth and development. It includes proteins to support growth, essential fats for healthy cell membranes and nutrient absorption, and wholegrain starchy carbohydrates to provide energy, vitamins, and minerals for active play. Fruits and vegetables are abundant in our meals for their vital immune-boosting phytonutrients. Our Academies feature vegetable and herb gardens, giving children firsthand experiences with nature and cultivating their own nutrition.
Sustaining Energy Levels
Children need foods that supply steady energy to optimize learning and play throughout the day. Regular meals and snacks containing wholegrain starchy carbohydrates and protein provide lasting energy, maintaining stable blood sugar levels and avoiding energy crashes.
Promoting Concentration and Focus
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels also helps children sustain focus and concentration, which are essential for learning and creating new brain connections. Also, proper hydration is crucial for maintaining attention, so we ensure children drink water throughout the day.
Nurturing Balanced Mood
Low blood sugar levels can result in irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Our meal plan provides lasting energy to keep children happy, engaged, and ready to learn throughout the day. Our diet includes the proteins needed to produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters and the essential fats for brain and nervous system health.
