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Good nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods helps pregnant women and children get the nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy, active, and strong. Health managers and program staff can explore resources to support healthy eating habits and find nutrition assistance information to share with families.
A woman’s lifestyle may affect her breast milk, and have an impact on the baby. During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Healthy eating is essential to a child's nutrition and well-being. Children who are overweight are at risk for chronic health problems. The Weight-control Information Network (WIN), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), offers guidance to parents and caregivers on how to encourage healthy eating habits in children.
The Positive Eating Environment Self-Assessment for Early Care and Education (ECE) Programs offers a brief, user-friendly way to assess basic mealtime practices. Learn how this assessment can help center-based and family child care programs that serve 3 to 5 year olds. Staff can use this tool to evaluate the availability of healthy nutrition and mealtime environments. It can also be used for staff discussions and policy planning.