© Shutterstock

Healthy eating plan -

People aged two years or older should be encouraged to follow a healthy eating pattern, advocates Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

© Shutterstock 

Eating what's good for you (and them) -

This regimen includes the following: a variety of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; fat-free and low-fat diary products; a variety of protein foods; and oils.

© Shutterstock 

Limit intake of calories -

These same guidelines recommend that individuals limit calories from solid fats (major sources of saturated and trans fatty acids) and added sugars, and reduce sodium (salt) intake.

© Shutterstock 

Obesity figures -

Unfortunately, there's little sign that these nutritional guidelines are being adhered to. Statistics published by the CDC indicate that obesity in the United States, for example, currently affects 100.1 million (41.9%) adults and 14.7 million (19.7%) children.

© Shutterstock 

Healthy guidelines ignored -

These figures underscore the fact that most children and adolescents do not follow healthy eating recommendations such as those outlined by the DGA.

© Shutterstock 

Counting the cost of obesity -

It's an unhealthy and expensive trend. The CDC estimates that obesity in the US accounts for approximately US$147 billion in annual health care costs.

© Shutterstock 

What is malnutrition? -

Equally detrimental to a child's health —and the world economy—is malnutrition. The World Heath Organization (WHO) defines malnutrition as "deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization."

© Shutterstock 

Malnutrition and undernutrition -

The terms "malnutrition" and "undernutrition" are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Undernutrition is, however, part of malnutrition.

© Shutterstock 

The dangers of undernutrition -

Undernutrition is caused primarily by an inadequate intake of dietary energy, regardless of whether any other specific nutrient is a limiting factor.

© Shutterstock 

The results of undernutrition -

Undernutrition manifests in four broad forms: wasting, stunting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.

© Shutterstock 

Stunting -

Stunting, also known as stunted growth, is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition in-utero and early childhood. The condition is defined as impaired growth and development manifested by low height-for-age.

© Shutterstock 

Impact of stunted growth -

Stunted children tend to earn less as adults as a result of a restricted education and learning difficulties in school. Paradoxically, they are also more likely to be at risk of being overweight and obese than children of normal height.

© Shutterstock 

Wasting -

Wasting is defined as low weight-for-height. It's a life-threatening disorder attributable to poor nutrient intake and/or disease.

© Shutterstock 

"Wasting away" -

Wasting is a debilitating condition that causes muscle and fat tissue to literally "waste" away. Children suffering from wasting have weakened immunity, thus exposing them to increased risk of infection and even death.

© Shutterstock 

Underweight -

Simply put, being underweight is to be below a weight considered normal or desirable. For example, on average a 10-year-old girl should weigh about 32 kg (70 lbs) and stand roughly 138 cm (55 in). The average weight of a boy the same age is 31 kg (68 lbs)—slightly lower than a girl's. Height, though, is about the same.

© Shutterstock 

Low body mass index -

A child who is underweight and records a low body mass index (BMI) may be stunted, wasted, or both.

© Shutterstock 

Micronutrient deficiencies -

Micronutrient deficiency is defined as the sustained insufficient supply of vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development.

© Shutterstock 

Essential vitamins and minerals -

These compounds are essential for body functions such as producing enzymes, hormones, and other substances vital for the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms and reducing the prevalence of disease.

© Shutterstock 

Women's nutrition -

"Improving maternal, infant and young child nutrition expands opportunities for every child to reach his or her full potential," urges the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). And a healthy, happy woman serves as a powerful barometer of her and her children's well-being.

© Shutterstock 

Infant and young child feeding -

A well-nourished woman is more likely to have well-nourished children. Inadequate nutrition affects not only expectant mothers, but also the health of their offspring.

© Shutterstock 

Breastfeeding -

Breast milk meets all of your baby's nutritional needs. In fact, putting newborns to the breast within the first hour of life is critical to their survival. Feeding infants nothing but breastmilk for the first six months of life is the safest and healthiest option for children everywhere.

© Shutterstock 

When to spoon-feed -

Beyond six months, feeding children solid, semi-solid, or soft foods is key to preventing deficiencies that could result in undernutrition.

© Shutterstock 

Tips for healthy eating -

A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life. And it begins at home. Introduce your child to a balanced and nutritious diet slowly, bite by bite.

© Shutterstock 

The fresher the better -

Focus on providing whole fruits and grains, and a variety of fresh vegetables.

© Shutterstock 

Vary the protein routine -

Eat a variety of protein foods. Doing so provides the body with more of the nutrients it needs. Protein foods include all foods made from seafood; meat, poultry, and eggs; beans, peas, lentils; and nuts, seeds, and soy products.

© Shutterstock 

Drink plenty of water -

According to the CDC, most youths in America do not consume the recommended amount of total water. The body is made up of 50-75% water, and it forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine, and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat, and bones. It's a vital nutrient in itself!

© Shutterstock 

Global malnutrition -

Statistics published by WHO underline the world food crisis. Globally in 2020, 149 million children under five were estimated to be stunted, 45 million were estimated to be wasted, and 38.9 million were overweight or obese. Around 45% of deaths among children under five are linked to undernutrition.

© Shutterstock 

World hunger crisis -

This crisis is further compounded by the fact that more than 30 million children in 15 worst-affected countries suffer from acute malnutrition, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). A deadly combination of conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and spiraling fertilizer prices is at the root of soaring numbers.

© Getty Images 

Provide kids with the right resources -

There are no overnight solutions to tackling the problem. But making sure kids are fed, looked after, and given the right resources to live nourished and healthy lives ensures they become intelligent, cultured, and good-natured human beings.

© Shutterstock 

Nourished and healthy lifestyle -

And by encouraging families to better provide for their children, healthier approaches to food and cooking are achieved. Indeed, given the right resources, all kids can live nourished and healthy lives.

See also: The benefits of eating together

© Shutterstock