Throughout the course of a lifetime, nutritional requirements vary depending on the stage of life. During pregnancy, women require greater amounts of Folic acid, calcium, and protein. Prenatal health greatly affects a baby's development. During lactation, the needs are even higher for certain nutrients than they were during pregnancy. It is important for women to take a supplement during these times to ensure adequate nutrients are being provided. Also, it is necessary to consume 330 additional calories during lactation.
As a baby grows, in order to keep up with the speed of growth, it is important that the baby continues to receive adequate nutrients. Nutrients of particular concern to the growth process are Vitamins A and D and calcium. As a baby's growth slows, the energy requirements decrease. Eating habits established during the first years of life are very influential on future eating habits.
During early childhood the number of calories required increases with age. Also an important determinant influencing energy needs is a child's level of physical activity and growth (Sizer & Whitney, 2013). Adolescents typically make their own food choices. It is important that good eating habits are instilled throughout childhood so that by the time a child reaches adolescence, they are inclined to make healthy choices. It is very important for adolescents to consume adequate amounts of calcium to prevent osteoporosis in later life.
Food choices that are made in early adulthood and beyond are carried over and dramatically influence the prevalence of chronic disease among individuals and are determinants to the quality of life that is experienced. The influence of hereditary decreases with age and lifestyle becomes the more influential factor on health and well-being.
The choices that are made now will inevitably last a LIFETIME so Make them COUNT!!!!
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