When it comes to nutrition, it’s essential to look closely at the food we consume. Children all around the world have different dietary habits and cultural traditions when it comes to eating.

It can be fascinating to explore what children eat globally, as diversity in nutrition is essential for a healthy and sustainable diet. This article takes a fascinating look at what kids eat around the world and the impact of cultural and economical factors on their diet.

North America

In North America, children indulge in various fast foods that are high in calories, sugar, and salt. With the busy lifestyles that parents in the US and Canada lead, fast foods, frozen dinners, and takeouts have become the norm.

Children consume a lot of junk food, and it is known that overinvolvement in fast foods leads to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases. However, there are also various healthy options. For example, Canadians typically consume maple syrup, a healthy sugar substitute, while Americans are inclined towards mac and cheese and chicken nuggets.

South America

South American countries have unique food cultures influenced by their geography and history. The most common dish in Brazil is rice and beans, which provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.

Additionally, Brazil is known for its exotic tropical fruits like acai berries, guava, and papaya. In Ecuador and Colombia, children are known to feast on freshly fried plantains served with cheese or avocado.

It is also worth mentioning that South America has a rich culture of juicing fresh fruits, which makes it easier to provide a healthy diet to children.

Europe

European diets vary significantly, depending on the region and country. In Italy, pasta and pizza are staple dishes that are loved by children across the country. France is known for its love for cheese, and croissants are a popular breakfast item.

The Nordic countries have a unique diet that includes a lot of fish, dried fruits, and nuts. Scandinavia also has a tradition of preserving and fermenting foods to provide essential vitamins and minerals. In the UK, fish and chips are a popular delicacy that every child has tried at some point.

British children are also known to have a sweet tooth, with desserts like trifle and custard being popular.

Africa

The African countries offer some of the most ancient and traditional diets globally, which contain a wide range of natural harvested foods. The traditional diets include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and poultry.

In Ethiopia, the staple dish is injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. The bread is served with a variety of stews and curries made with lentils, beef, or chicken. In Sub-Saharan regions, children enjoy porridge made from different grains such as maize and sorghum for breakfast.

The porridge can be served with milk or honey.

Asia

Asian diets are heavily influenced by the local spices, herbs, and vegetables. In India, children are known to enjoy a wide variety of vegetarian dishes that include legumes, rice, and bread.

Indian children also savor flatbreads like paratha, chapati, and naan. Chinese children enjoy various soups and dumplings which are rich in vegetables and meat or seafood. These dishes are a perfect and balanced diet for children.

In Japan, children consume a lot of fresh seafood, rice, and noodles, which are known for their high-quality protein values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an enlightening look at what children eat worldwide highlights the impact of cultural diversity and geographical factors on a child’s diet.

It is vital to ensure that children eat healthily and receive all the necessary vitamins and nutrients they need to grow. A diverse diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and lean meats is essential for maintaining optimal health and wellbeing.