Importance of dietary habits and physical activity on growth and development in preschool children

Pravilna prehrana podrazumijeva unošenje svih neophodnih hranjivih tvari (ugljikohidrati, masti, proteini, vitamini, minerali i voda) potrebnih za rast i razvoj. Prekomjerno, nedovoljno uzimanje ili uzimanje jednolične hrane nosi svoje posljedice. Upravo takav oblik prehrane uzrokovat će promjene/poremećaje u organizmu. Dijete se s odrastanjem počinje samostalno hraniti i sudjelovati u odabiru namirnica i jela. Djeca se “modeliraju“ po uzoru na roditelje i njihove prehrambene navike, način života, stavove u vezi prehrane, te zadovoljstvo ili nezadovoljstvo vlastitog izgleda tijela. Ukupni preporučeni energijski unos za djecu od 4 do 6 godina iznosi 1600 kcal/dan. U piramidi pravilne prehrane svrstano je šest glavnih skupina namirnica koje su podijeljene na četiri razine. Viša razina piramide manje je površine, stoga namirnice treba uzimati u manjim količinama, a spuštanjem prema nižim razinama je obratno. Od rođenja do 6. godine života traje razdoblje ubrzanog rasta, prilikom čega dolazi do usavršavanja građe i funkcije pojedinih organa. Tjelesna aktivnost zadovoljava osnovne potrebe djeteta za igrom, rastom i razvojem, otkrivanju urođenih potencijala. Predškolska djeca trebala bi svaki dan 30-60 minuta utrošiti na svrhovitu igru, a sat vremena izdvojiti za slobodnu igru. Tijekom izrade ovog rada provedeno je istraživanje s ciljem uvida u prehrambene navike, tjelesnu aktivnost i spavanje u djece predškolske dobi. Rezultati prikazuju da najveći broj sudionika, 50 (56.8%), kroz dan najviše konzumira vodu, koja je i najčešće omiljeno piće sudionika, njih 32 (36.6%). 28 (31.3%) sudionika omiljena vrsta hrane jesu voće i povrće te 53 (60%) sudionika jede 5 obroka dnevno što je preporuka stručnjaka. Svakodnevno u jelovniku 34 (38.6%) sudionika konzumira slatkiše, ali 79 (89.7%) sudionika smatra da nije zdravo jesti puno slatkiša. 27 (30.7%) sudionika konzumira brzu hranu jednom u tjednu. 15 (46.8%) vrijeme provodi igrajući se na svježem zraku, te 12 (37.5%) sudionika utroši više od tri sata na vanjsku aktivnost. Ukupno 32 (50%) sudionika bavi se određenom vrstom sporta, najčešći izbor je nogomet kojim se bavi 7 (43.8%) sudionika.Proper nutrition means getting all the essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water) that are necessary for growth and development. Excessive, insufficient or monotonous food intake has consequences. This type of diet will cause changes/disorders in the body. As the child grows, he/she begins to feed him/herself and participate in food and meal choices. Children are "modelled" after their parents and their eating habits, lifestyle, attitudes towards nutrition and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their own physical appearance. The total recommended energy intake for children aged 4 to 6 years is 1600 kcal/day. There are six main food groups in the food pyramid, which are divided into four levels. The higher levels of the pyramid have a smaller surface area, so food should be taken in smaller amounts, and the opposite is true as you descend to the lower levels. From birth to age 6, there is a period of accelerated growth during which the structure and function of the various organs are perfected. Movement activity fulfills the child's basic needs for play, growth and development, and the discovery of innate potential. Preschool children should devote 30-60 minutes each day to purposeful play, setting aside an hour for free play. In preparation for this paper, research was conducted to gain insight into the eating habits, physical activity and sleep patterns of preschool children. The results show that the highest number of respondents, 50 (56.8%), consume water during the day, which is also the most popular drink of the respondents, 32 (36.6%). Fruits and vegetables are the favorite type of food of 28 (31.3%) respondents and 53 (60%) respondents eat 5 meals a day, which is the recommendation of experts. 34 (38.6%) respondents consume sweets daily, but 79 (89.7%) respondents believe that eating a lot of sweets is not healthy. 27 (30.7%) respondents consume fast food once a week. 15 (46.8%) respondents spend time playing outdoors and 12 (37.5%) respondents spend more than three hours on outdoor activities. A total of 32 (50%) respondents play some kind of sport, with football being the most common choice, played by 7 (43.8%) respondents