EDUCAÇÃO ALIMENTAR NUTRICIONAL COMO PROMOTORA DE HÁBITOS ALIMENTARES SAUDÁVEIS ENTRE CRIANÇAS DE UMA ESCOLA DE TRÊS PONTAS

Abstract

Introduction: A suitable nutrition is primordial for good child development and growth. Since eating behavior begins in childhood, it is essential to instigate healthy eating practices at this stage. Objective: The objective of this study was to adapt and develop recreational instruments for Food and Nutrition Education and to evaluate the efficacy in promoting healthy eating habits among 7- and 8-years-old schoolchildren from a school in the municipality of Três Pontas, MG. Methodology: It was apllied the food consumption markers survey before and after the development of the activities of Nutritional Education in order to collect information about the eating habits of the children, as well as later evaluate changes in food consumption adopted after the playful workshops. Results: It was observed an increase in the consumption of natural foods and a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed foods after the educational activities, and it was possible to identify that they were effective to promote the adoption of healthy eating habits among the students. Conclusion: It is concluded in this work that playful activities of food and nutritional education developed in the school environment promote a greater interaction and construction of knowledge about adequate eating habits and are efficient tools in changing eating habits.