Nutrition and exercise in childhood
Learning healthy eating through play:
How children develop good awareness at an early age
Eating means much more than just filling your stomach – it is the basis for energy, growth and well-being. Especially in childhood, it is crucial to teach healthy eating habits in a playful and understandable way. But how do children learn what is really good for their bodies? Quite simply: with fun, exercise, stories and clear pictures!
Why playful learning is so important
Children learn best when they are allowed to discover things for themselves. Instead of prohibitions or finger-wagging, we reach them through positive experiences: through stories, colours and characters.
The idea behind this game, based on the classic food pyramid:
- Water is associated with blue – the basis of our life: consume plenty
- Vegetables and fruit appear in fresh green – they provide important vitamins and minerals: consume five times a day
- Cereals and potatoes shine in warm yellow/orange – they provide energy: consume regularly
- Protein sources such as fish and meat are associated with vibrant red – for strong muscles: consume regularly
- Healthy fats shimmer in gold – they provide us with valuable nutrients: consume less frequently
- Sweets are a playful purple – a small exception for special moments: consume very rarely
This clear colour and food classification helps children quickly understand what is good for them and how often they should eat it.
Why practising early is so important
In a world full of temptations such as fast food and sweet snacks, it is now more important than ever to teach children about healthy choices from an early age. Once they learn to listen to their bodies and see food as a source of health and energy, they lay the foundation for a strong, healthy life. Those who learn to make good decisions early on develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
