Quality Instead of Quantity: A Healthy Diet at an Early Age

A study conducted at the Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico, stated that “Hispanic children, ages 2 to 19, suffer from chronic malnutrition at higher proportions, and are more likely to be overweight or obese, than non-Hispanic white children. However, the study also found that Hispanic children in the "healthy weight" range experience malnutrition at higher rates than overweight or obese Hispanic children.”

This alarming study brings forth the important topic of nutrition in our Latino community. Very often, we may have our little ones eat in large proportions to make sure that they have sufficient energy to last them throughout the school day; however, the problem seems to be exactly this. We care about the quantity rather than the quality of their food.

Additionally, families may also have diets, passed down through generations, that do not include an adequate variety of nutrients for the children. These diets may, in some instances, lack the adequate vitamins and nutrients necessary for their development -- leading to stunted growth and learning problems in school. The study highlights two issues affecting the Hispanic population surveyed: first, that a large percentage of Hispanic children face chronic malnutrition along with weight problems, and second, that even if the child is at a healthy weight, he/she may still suffer from malnutrition.

In order to confront this issue, highlighted suggestions include following:

1) Vary the foods that your child is exposed to 

1. Varying the types of foods your child eats allows for a diverse intake of vitamins.  Due to strict diets, we may limit our children from eating what they want.  These foods, can at times, carry the vitamin their body needs.  Having them try new fruits, pick their vegetables, and even arrange their own healthy plates can also lead to collaboration at the dinner table.  It can also enrich their diet.  To an extent, we must present a variety of foods in our child’s diet, at an early age, in order to accustom them to eating well in the future. 

2) Search for quality rather than quantity when shopping 

1. Varying the types of foods your child eats allows for a diverse intake of vitamins.  Due to strict diets, we may limit our children from eating what they want.  These foods, can at times, carry the vitamin their body needs.  Having them try new fruits, pick their vegetables, and even arrange their own healthy plates can also lead to collaboration at the dinner table.  It can also enrich their diet.  To an extent, we must present a variety of foods in our child’s diet, at an early age, in order to accustom them to eating well in the future. 

Food brings family and friends together. It is a sign of unity, love, and care for one another. However, taking the time to eat smart can make this unifying experience better for everyone. For the well-being of our children and of our families, we must progress toward quality in regards to what we eat. Doing so may lead toward a healthier development in our children and a brighter, healthier tomorrow for our families. 

Juan Sebastian Roa 
Communications and Social Media Director

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