FOODGROUPS.docVIP

FOOD GROUPS Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods Why should they be included in the diet? Carbohydrates, the term used to describe starchy foods and sugars are an important source of energy and B vitamins. B vitamins are particularly important for the brain and nervous system and energy metabolism. Sugar can be categorised as follows: those found in milk (milk sugars); those found in other foods such as fruit and vegetables (intrinsic sugars) and non-milk extrinsic sugars like sugar and honey. Starchy foods should contribute 40% energy in children and sugar 11% or less. As milk intake declines and appetites increase it is recommended that starchy foods are encouraged as they are an important source of energy, fibre and B vitamins. Why do children need fibre? Fibre is found in cereals and vegetables and it is the part that is not broken in the small intestine; it is important for a healthy bowel; helps to prevent constipation and bowel disorders; and helps with cholesterol lowering. Constipation in children can be related to poor intake of fibre and fluid, emotional disturbances and change in routine. It may be alleviated by a moderate increase in fibre, but it is important to ensure the child is having an adequate fluid intake. Should we give our children a high fibre diet? There is little evidence for the effects of dietary fibre in young children and no recommendation regarding intake. Children that are poor eaters should not have fibre rich foods at the expense of energy dense foods; however with rising obesity, an increase in fibre rich foods may help to reduce energy rich foods. List some good sources Foods from this group should be offered at every meal and can be useful foods to offer as part of a snack; these foods should constitute a third of the daily intake. It is ideal that the main source of carbohydrates in the diet they should be starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, chapatti, naan, pitta, rolls, bagels, bread sticks, cous