Given the significance of nutrition at each stage of the life cycle, evaluate the nutrition recommendations and dietary guidelines for pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood

Pregnancy
Every person needs the same nutrients in varying proportions depending on their stag
in life. During pregnancy, proper nutrition boosts the health of the pregnant mother as well as
that of the unborn child. Before pregnancy, a woman should ensure that they have the ideal
weight that will support pregnancy. A woman who is underweight is likely to give birth to a
child with low birth weight. If nutrition supplies during pregnancy fail to meet the demand,
the child may experience various adverse effects in the future. A woman’s nutrition defines
the health of the placenta as well as other organs (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). In the first
trimester, a woman does not need energy. However, energy demands increase as the
pregnancy progresses. A pregnant woman needs 340 additional calories during the second
trimester and 450 calories during the third trimester (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). It is important
for a pregnant woman to eat ample carbohydrates. Consumption of cereals and other grains
can help ensure that the woman sustains the nutrient demands. Folate and vitamin B12 should
also be consumed during pregnancy, owing to their role in the production of cells (Sizer &
Whitney, 2017). A pregnant woman also needs Vitamin D, calcium, and iron. Smoking and
alcohol consumption should be avoided.
Infancy
Early nutrition affects the development of a child. In addition, early nutrition
establishes eating habits that affect nutrition throughout one’s life. Babies require 100
calories per kilogram of weight (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). Breastmilk is important during
infancy because it ensures that the infants get the required nutrients. Breastmilk is the perfect

food for infants. It is also important to ensure that infants get supplements of vitamin D and
Vitamin K.
Childhood
Children need to adopt proper nutrition habits to function properly as adults. Lack of
proper nutrition results in various adverse effects on a child’s physical and mental
development. Dietary excesses may result in childhood obesity (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). A
child should eat a balanced diet that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also
important to limit the intake of fat and fatty acids.
Adolescence
During adolescence, one needs the energy to enhance healthy growth. Teens may fall
into irregular eating habits, and this could adversely affect their health. Adolescents need
food that is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
Adulthood
During adulthood, one’s body is aging. An individual’s life expectancy depends
largely on their health-related behaviors. It is important to eat a healthy diet that contains
sufficient proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). It is also important for
adults to consume enough essential fatty acids while limiting the intake of saturated and trans
fats.
Examine three ways of how we can develop healthy nutritional habits from the onset
and carry these habits with us throughout the life cycle?  What are the consequences of
not doing so?
One way of developing a healthy nutritional habit is to control portions and to count
calories. One also needs to set healthy limits. Preparing meals is also a healthy way to

maintain healthy nutritional habits (Glanz, Sallis, Saelens, & Frank, 2005). One needs to
avoid eating in restaurants. The consequences of not developing healthy nutritional habits
include obesity and nutrition-related illnesses.
References

Glanz, K., Sallis, J. F., Saelens, B. E., & Frank, L. D. (2005). Healthy nutrition environments:
concepts and measures. American journal of health promotion, 19(5), 330-333.
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason,
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