European University of Lefke Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Academician Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazal Bardak pointed out the effect of healthy diet on success in school and gave some information about child nutrition.

Bardak said that “While trying to give importance to the nutrients your child likes in the home environment, food diversity in the school environment may be less, and children’s food consumption can be affected due to being away from friends and from home”, and added that each child’s food consumption, needs and expenditure varies. Bardak pointed out that, for every child, height, weight, age, physical activity level vary and the rate of basal metabolism differ.

It is important that children consume milk or eggs at breakfast

Bardak underlined the importance of breakfast which is regarded as the golden meal and stated that even if breakfast is included in the school menu, the fact that the child consumes milk or eggs before going to school will increase the qualified protein intake. Bardak stated that breakfast is the vital factor that affects the success and growth in the school-age children, added that cheese, bread and eggs form the basis of a child’s breakfast, and suggested to families to prepare toasts in the form of pancakes of pancakes to their children. Bardak also pointed out that in the recent years, cereals started to occupy a great place in the breakfast choices of children and added that when choosing cereals, non-sugary and whole grain cereals should be preferred and a small sandwich with cheese can be prepared when the child cannot have breakfast.

Hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds are the right energy source for children

Bardak pointed out that conducted studies show that children who have a healthy diet are more likely to be more intelligent when compared with children who do not have a healthy diet and added that considering that children in the school age have an intense physical activity cycle, giving refreshments such as fruits, hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds instead of unhealthy snacks such biscuit, chocolate and crisps would be the right energy source for children.

When preparing the lunch box of children foods rich in protein should be preferred

Bardak said that, “Due to preferring poor quality snacks or consuming excrescent portions of food in school, children’s calorie intake is higher than normal”. Bardak also stated that if the carbohydrate preferences of children are ready to sell sugary foods such as cakes, cookies, weight gain in an unhealthy way comes into question and added that the place should be given to food which are rich in protein (cheese sandwich, cheese bread, eggs, milk etc), oilseeds (walnut, almond) and a fruit group (suitable for the season).

Bardak stated that, “If your child consumes lunch at school, make sure that there are nutrition and dietitian specialists in the school. The dietitians of the institution will be effective in matter such as the balance of the content of the meal and the preparation and portioning of the food. Refreshment and dinners of children who are nourished in this direction should be planned in accordance with their lunch”. Bardak also pointed out the importance of drinking water and added that parents should know the water intake of their children during the school hours and the missing amount should be completed to approximately 1 – 1.5 liter per day.

Bardak finally pointed out the importance of avoiding children from colored, sugary and fizzy nourishments and providing them with the habit of healthy nourishment and wished all children a successful, healthy and happy academic year.