Ruby runs a small child care program in her home. The preschool-age children begin arriving at 7.a.m each morning and leave by 5:30 p.m. Ruby prepares and serves them breakfast, lunch, and two snacks throughout the day. This year, she has encountered several children who have challenging food allergies and food preferences. What suggestions would you offer to help Ruby in each of the following situations?
1. Layla, age 4, breaks out in hives whenever she has eaten too many strawberries or oranges. She will occasionally accept a small serving of applesauce or a few bites of banana but few other fruits. What two nutrients are probably deficient in Layla's diet? What other fruit or vegetables can Ruby serve to supply these essential vitamins?
2. Ailani, age 3 is lactose intolerant and unable to drink milk or to eat dairy products. What nutrient is most likely deficient in ailani's diet? What other food can Ruby serve to meet ailani's nutrient needs?
3. Carlos, age 5, doesn't like milk and demands fruit juice or lemonade instead. What two nutrients are most likely deficient? What adjustments can Ruby make in his diet to meet these needs?
4. Mariko, age 2, prefers a daily diet of rice or noodles that have been drenched in soy sauce. She will take a few bites of tofu when her mother insists, but refuses meats, fish, and most vegetable. What nutrients is she missing? What health concerns would you have about Mariko's current dietary pattern? What can Ruby do to improve, Mariko's dietary intake?
5. Sophia's favorite breakfast foods include bacon, sausage, doughnuts, and biscuits with gravy. What nutrients is she consuming in excess? What food groups and nutrients is she lacking? Should Ruby be concerned, and what can she do to encourage healthier eating habits?