A Food Diary can be a helpful tool for monitoring the meals your children are having. A food diary can be used with children for a variety of purposes, including ensuring that they are receiving the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals from all of the main food categories. Use a food journal to track various health ailments or issues, as directed by your child's pediatrician or nutritionist. It's important to remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not advise calorie counting or manipulating food consumption for children or teenagers in order to lose weight. Disordered eating and other mental health issues, such as low self-esteem, may result from this. Don't use a food diary to track your diet or weight, therefore. The goal should be to develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
According to Amy Reed, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) working in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a representative for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a doctor or dietitian may urge a parent to record their child's food intake under a variety of circumstances. According to Reed, a food journal can be used to monitor:
- Food allergies
- Food reactions
- Headaches
- Daily intake for weight gain or loss
- Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms
- Food variety for picky eaters
According to Reed, food diaries can be used to assess whether a child is consuming an acceptable amount of nutrients—such as calories, protein, and other vitamins and minerals—or too much of them. This device may also be used to gather data for studies or medical testing. Food diaries can also be used by young athletes to ensure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients to support their physical needs. Additionally, hydration may be seen, notes Reed, frequently in relation to headaches. The best approach to use a food diary, according to Reed, is "in conjunction with a health care provider," who will analyze the diary after it is finished, discuss it with the family, and then create a nutritional plan if necessary. You can keep a food journal on paper and a pen, a computer, or an app. However, remember that many food intake tracking apps are not advised for kids under 18, particularly owing to the advertising that they may be exposed to that is oriented toward adults, says Reed. "In today's online realm, many food diaries are kept digitally on a phone app.
Many children find it challenging to maintain a balanced, healthful diet. Obesity in children is a significant health issue. Many children don't participate in adequate physical activity, but they may also be unaware of the sources of extra calories that could lead to weight gain. You can learn more about what's going on by keeping a food diary of your child's meals. Is your kid consuming excessive amounts of food? Is a snack becoming a second meal? Or do they regularly consume foods or beverages with a lot of calories? Do they consume enough protein or fiber to satisfy their hunger?
You may ensure that your children are consuming a diet that includes a range of nutrient-dense foods from each food category by keeping a food diary:
- Fruits
- Grain products, preferably whole grains
- Lean or low-fat meats and beans for protein, as well as chicken, fish, eggs, and nuts
- Dairy products, particularly low-fat varieties like yogurt and cheese, as well as other meals that are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D
- Vegetables
Your child's age and caloric requirements will determine how many servings they consume from each food group, but in general, you should try to get them to eat something from each food group every day. The food diary can be used to keep track of and be alert for foods that are rich sources of fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, and any other nutrients you are concerned your children aren't getting enough of. A multivitamin might be a smart option if your kids are picky eaters or don't consume a diet that is rich in nutrients and are missing out on anything as a result. To be certain, though, see a dietician or your pediatrician. Select the diet components you wish to keep an eye on first. Perhaps doing so entails making a list of the things consumed, estimating the serving sizes, and having your child describe how hungry they were before and after the meal. Include any further remarks (like "don't like it" or "yummy") or observations (like possible allergic reactions or feeling exhausted) that you or they may have. Record the time of the day in addition to keep a note of the foods consumed. Emerging patterns may include useful information. For instance, perhaps your youngster claims they are not hungry for breakfast but later complains or consumes a lot of chips or cookies before lunch. Or perhaps they overindulge in sweets in the afternoon, which results in a collapse in their energy levels in the evening.
To make your food diary reporting tasks easier, you might choose to use shorthand.
Abbreviations for meals:
- B = Breakfast
- sAM = Morning snack
- L = Lunch
- sPM = Afternoon snack
- D = Dinner
- sBT = Bedtime snack
Abbreviations for food groups:
- D = Milk/dairy
- F = Fruits
- G = Grains
- M = Meats/beans
- V = Vegetables
A food diary, says Reed, may lead to disordered eating in certain people. Keeping a food journal is not advised if a parent is worried that their child has disordered eating, according to Reed. Also keep in mind that studies have shown that using meal tracking apps might cause unfavorable emotions and behaviors, such as disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.
With your child, keeping a food diary can be a terrific way to examine their diet more closely. However, be careful not to misuse this tool; while having the best of intentions, food monitoring can easily come across as harsh or humiliating. Aim to enjoy paying attention to your hunger signals and consuming foods that are high in nutrients, but also make room for sweet desserts and other comfort foods in moderation.
ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND
Reference:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-track-child-nutrition-with-food-diary-2633949
