Food attitudes and snacking patterns of young children

Abstract

Food likes and dislikes and snacking patterns of 44 children were examined during the preschool period and followed up during early elementary school years. Home interviews with the children's mothers revealed that most considered their child's diet nutritionally adequate. This was borne out by analysis of food intake records, which showed that at both periods children's nutrient intakes were very good. Meat, especially chicken, was the favorite food of the children—named by 40% (preschool period) and 50% (elementary period)—followed by pizza and spaghetti. Snacks provided proportionately more calories than protein, and there was a tendency for the children to consume less food as snacks as they became older. This study points out the importance of teaching the foundations of good nutritional practices early in life and illustrates that nutrition education should be aimed at the whole family.