There was also a need for a greater variety of foods and easier preparation.
The result is that, unfortunately, many products are sold more for their appearance and taste than for their nutritional aspect. It is not only at home that this happens, but also in the school environment. Mainly in private schools, where students who do not take snacks from home tend to buy in canteens, which offer more processed foods, rich in sugar and fat.
Thus, even with a regular diet, children and adolescents - as well as the majority of the population - lack essential vitamins and nutrients for the body. This leads to a higher incidence of cases of cardiovascular and blood diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and so on.
Cereals, roots and tubers: are rich in complex carbohydrates that provide energy for daily and physical activities. Therefore, they should be consumed in larger quantities every day.
Examples: wheat, rice, corn, rye, barley, oats, bread, pasta, potatoes, yams, cassava.
Fruits, vegetables and legumes: are foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It maintains the health and proper functioning of the body, and should be consumed in large quantities during the day.
Examples: apple, banana, papaya, orange, carrot, beetroot, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber, watercress, onion, chard, kale, broccoli, celery etc.
Vegetables: Rich in vegetable proteins, iron and fiber. But, pay attention when consumed for the first time, it should be in lesser quantity than the previous ones.
Examples: beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, chickpeas, etc. Animal foods: They should also be consumed in smaller quantities. They are foods rich in calcium and proteins, essential for the maintenance of health, strengthening, growth and formation of skin, nails, hair, teeth and bones.
Examples: meat (chicken, fish and red meat), milk, cheese and yogurt.
Foods considered unhealthy are those in the following groups:
Sugars: sweets, candies, chocolates, ice cream, soft drinks, stuffed cookies, chewing gum, etc.;
Fats: fried foods, vegetable oils, margarine, butter, fast food, mayonnaise, curd etc.;
With excess salt: industrialized foods, such as snacks, ready-made sauces and seasonings, industrialized soups, etc.
