Dear editor,

The word diet in this context is used to refer to general nutritional needs rather than a ‘specialised diet’ in order to lose weight. A healthy diet is one with variety including plenty of water, enough protein for growth and repair.

Sufficient carbohydrates to provide the energy young children use, small amounts of fat as a source of essential fatty acids for cell growth, iron and calcium for blood and bones to grow strong, vitamin D for healthy bones, zinc and magnesium to support the immune system.

‘Variety of food’ refers not to how much you consume of one food type or how often you eat it, but to the range of foods that are eaten. Encouraging children to try a variety of different vegetables, meats and fruits will not only ensure a balance of nutrition, but also means they consume enough fibre to keep the digestive system healthy.

Musanze