Eating habits formed by children during their early years can have a lasting impact on their holistic well-being. My target audience is parents because they

are the primary decision-makers for their children during their formative years. (Savage et al., 2007) This information can help them make better decisions regarding what their children eat.

The consequences of poor nutrition in toddlers can last a lifetime.

Children typically consume three meals and two snacks daily. (Barrera et al., 2019) This creates five opportunities to fuel their growth, development, and curiosity. These meals and snacks significantly impact what children learn to enjoy and appreciate when it comes to food. Choosing what to eat may seem like a minor decision, but these choices can have far-reaching impacts; the consequences of poor nutrition in toddlers can last a lifetime. (BC Children’s Hospital & Devlin)

As children mature, they are exposed to more highly processed foods. To address this issue, it is essential to frame food-related information in a way that resonates with parents. Healthful eating during this fragile stage of development is essential for the child’s body and brain to grow and develop as intended. Poor nutrition can result in a range of health issues, including obesity, chronic diseases, and cognitive deficiencies.

The nine essential nutrients to cognitive development are complex carbohydrates, specific types of fat, protein, choline, vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9), iron, iodine, and zinc.

When we are babies, our brains grow fast and get bigger until we are three years old. Our brains experience a “brain spurt,” where they grow faster than the rest of our body. This is a critical period. During this time, if we do not get enough of the right kinds of food, it can stop our brain from growing and developing correctly, permanently affecting how we learn and think. Nutrition is a big part of the equation for cognitive development.

The brain grows quickly during the first two years of life, especially in the cortex, which is linked to advanced thinking skills. Nutrient deficiencies affect how the brain grows and works in young children by slowing down important neurological processes and causing changes in the brain’s structure and function. The effects of these changes depend on which specific nutrient is lacking and when this deficiency occurs. (Nyaradi et al., 2013b)

A healthy diet involves eating foods full of nutrients, in the correct amounts, from all major food groups and drinking water. A healthy diet with a good eating pattern is called a healthful diet. A healthful diet is essential for stimulating a healthy appetite for learning and exploration in toddlers.

To help toddlers learn and develop essential skills, they must stay focused, have steady energy levels, and be in a good mood. This state is called a well-regulated child. One way to support this is by ensuring they get the essential nutrients in their diet. A well-regulated child’s brain can make more connections, which helps the brain grow.

When these connections are strong, toddlers learn more effectively. (Nyaradi et al., 2013b) A well-regulated child is more observant and inquisitive, making them receptive and curious about new experiences. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that children receive the right types and amounts of nutrients.

Children between the ages of 2 and 5 ask nearly 40,000 questions as they try to understand the world around them. (Chouinard et al., 2007)

When a child grows, there is a critical period when they need certain things to help them grow properly. If they do not get these things during this time, it can cause permanent problems in development. The first three years of a child’s life are critical to cognitive development. Neurons are special cells that help our brain process information. During this period, the connections between neurons proliferate. The greater the number of connections that form, the greater a child’s ability to learn, remember, and develop other cognitive skills. This period is called the ‘golden period’ of brain development.

During the “golden period” of brain development, children’s natural curiosity is at its peak.

The degree of that curiosity can be encouraged or discouraged based on different factors, including nutrition. This period is critical because it determines their intelligence for the rest of their lives. (Varakina-Mitrail et al., 2020)

Nutrition is a big part of the equation for cognitive development.

When we are babies, our brains grow fast and get bigger until we are three years old. Our brains experience a “brain spurt,” where they grow faster than the rest of our body. This is a critical period. During this time, if we do not get enough of the right kinds of food, it can stop our brain from growing and developing correctly, permanently affecting how we learn and think. Nutrition is a big part of the equation for cognitive development.

The brain grows quickly during the first two years of life, especially in the cortex, which is linked to advanced thinking skills. Nutrient deficiencies affect how the brain grows and works in young children by slowing down important neurological processes and causing changes in the brain’s structure and function. The effects of these changes depend on which specific nutrient is lacking and when this deficiency occurs. (Nyaradi et al., 2013b)

A healthy diet involves eating foods full of nutrients, in the correct amounts, from all major food groups and drinking water. A healthy diet with a good eating pattern is called a healthful diet. A healthful diet is essential for stimulating a healthy appetite for learning and exploration in toddlers.

To help toddlers learn and develop essential skills, they must stay focused, have steady energy levels, and be in a good mood. This state is called a well-regulated child. One way to support this is by ensuring they get the essential nutrients in their diet. A well-regulated child’s brain can make more connections, which helps the brain grow.

When these connections are strong, toddlers learn more effectively. (Nyaradi et al., 2013b) A well-regulated child is more observant and inquisitive, making them receptive and curious about new experiences. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that children receive the right types and amounts of nutrients.