With special care, one should approach the issue of child nutrition in kindergarten. Usually in kindergartens there is a common menu for all children. They are children aged 1.5-7 years. The seasonality of food is affected only by the fact that in summer and in autumn children are trying to give more fruits and vegetables, and in winter and spring - juices and fruits.
What is taken into account by the garden staff when drawing up the children's menu
When compiling a menu for children, the following is taken into account: the set of products used per day, the amount of portions, the time that is spent on preparing dishes, all the norms for the interchangeability of products for cooking. The loss rates for heat and cold processing, all data on the composition of products are taken into account.
First of all, when compiling a daily diet pay attention to the presence of protein in it. Sources of animal protein are: eggs, meat, fish, dairy products, milk. Vegetable proteins are rich in some cereals (oat, buckwheat, millet), legumes and bread. Nevertheless, most of the fats in the children's diet should be animal fats. These fats are in sour cream, cream, butter. The total amount of vegetable fats in the daily diet of the baby should be at least 20% (sunflower, olive oil).
Such products as jam, sugar, confectionery, honey - refined sources of carbohydrates, are less useful for the child. The bulk of the daily needs of the child in carbohydrates should be carried out at the expense of bread, cereals, various pasta. But most importantly, due to fruits and vegetables. Very important for the baby's body are found in vegetables and fruits, in addition to carbohydrates, mineral salts, vitamins and trace elements. In addition, fruits and vegetables perfectly help the process of digestion of food, which is very important for the child's body. Aromatic substances and fruit oils promote the secretion of gastric juice, increase appetite. In the diet of the child in the kindergarten, garlic and onions are also included.
Daily in the menu of the kindergarten can include products such as butter, milk, sugar, bread, meat, vegetables and fruits. Such products as cottage cheese and eggs can be given to children every other day. Fish can be given to children 1-2 times a week (250 grams). Once a week, kindergarten staff can prepare fish or vegetarian soup for children.
The kindergarten should not repeat dishes in the menu every day, similar in composition. For example, if during the lunch the children ate for the first soup with pasta or with cereal, then the garnish should be prepared for the children of vegetables, but not pasta and cereal. In kindergartens, children are taught to start eating with sour fruits, raw vegetables or salads. Such foods increase appetite, stimulating the production of gastric juice. Vegetable salads are given regularly, but in small quantities, so that the child develops a habit of consuming fresh vegetables.
One of the most important conditions in the process of making up the menu in the kindergarten is a clear record of the requirements of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service. This refers to the place where food is prepared for children, prohibited dishes and products, for example smoked products, sausages. In addition, close attention is paid to the health of the staff, who works in the kitchen of the kindergarten. Employees must undergo a regular medical commission.
How should the process of eating be done in the kindergarten?
Depending on the time spent in the kindergarten, three or four meals a day are set. Eating should take place in a clean and ventilated room.
The regime in the garden is arranged so that walks and noisy games for half an hour before meals end. This time is for quiet games. You need to be especially careful to easily excitable children, do not overload them with different impressions.
The teacher should teach the children to sit down at the table quietly, the necessary remarks should be done in a friendly manner and calmly. Serving the table should be properly organized - it is like children.
Parents should always warn the caregiver about the child's allergies, on any products, on products that can not be eaten by a child due to a disease or individual intolerance. Educators should not force the child to take food - everyone needs to find an individual approach. Kindergarten should be served in a relaxed atmosphere.