When a school canteen can make a difference in the development of our children.
When we talk about nutrition during the age of growth and development, we are also talking about correct nutrition which has a significant impact on the development and learning of children. A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients needed, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, which are particularly important for cognitive development and brain function.
It has also been shown that avoiding foods with a high content of added sugars and saturated fats in the diet helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and at the same time improve children’s concentration, attention and memory in general.
For correct nutrition, pediatricians recommend following three general rules when putting children at the table: varied and energetic foods, controlled calories and moderate meals.
Too many snacks, sweets and fast food should therefore be abolished, and in teaching children good eating habits, parents should implement a fair distribution of meals, which in general involves a division of calories into five moments of the day: 15% for breakfast, 5% for the snack, 40% for lunch, 10% for the snack and 30% for dinner.
But how can we guarantee continuity of good nutritional education, che tanto si riflette nel sano sviluppo fisico, cognitivo ed emotivo, quando i nostri figli pranzano a scuola?
The best solution is to identify a school that offers a high quality canteenas happens in the case of students attending Kinder – the first international school in Bologna, who are guaranteed a varied and balanced diet, prepared by a professional chef with a food plan designed by a nutritionist.
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What characteristics must a quality school canteen respect?
Let’s see what are the most important aspects to keep in mind when choosing a school and its canteen. The latter must be able to guarantee the right power supply through:
- A balanced menu, which includes a variety of foods from all food categories, starting from proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables and dairy products.
- Portion control, which should be appropriate to the age and energy needs of children, avoiding excessive portions which would lead to digestive fatigue.
- Reduction of unhealthy foods, those high in added sugars, saturated fats and salt. Rich in preservatives and artificial colors which are not part of a balanced diet.
- The use of fresh and local foods, which not only improve the nutritional value of meals, but also reduce the environmental impact. And at Kinder only seasonal vegetables are used!
Important feedback to improve the service and guarantee the psycho-physical well-being of students
A school canteen must take into account the health of children and have to continue what parents teach them at home, and monitor the quality of the meals served,through feedback from the students, parents and school staff in order to make any necessary improvement or adjustment.
A high quality school canteen, in addition to taking into account the health and well-being of children, is essential to promote, through correct nutrition, an optimal school environment for learning. And this is what Kinder – the first international school in Bologna – has been doing since its birth way back in 1967.
If you want to know more, come in person to find out more, to see our canteen and all the student-friendly spaces that we can offer your child. We are waiting for you tomorrow too, because every day is an open day with us!
