Children Again Fasting? Here are Tips to Meet Daily Nutritional Needs

Illustration of children learning to fast. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Ensuring that children's nutritional needs are met is important, especially when they start learning to fast. Changes in eating and drinking schedules can affect children's stamina, concentration, and mood.

Therefore, parents need to pay extra attention so that the little one stays healthy and energetic during fasting.

Children's specialist doctor from the University of Indonesia, Afiffa Mardhotillah, Sp.A, emphasized the importance of children's readiness before starting to fast.

"Some things that need to be ensured are the age and mental readiness of the child. Make sure the little one is mature enough and in good health," he said.

According to the doctor who practices at Pondok Indah Bintaro Jaya Hospital, children who have just learned to fast often experience a decrease in appetite. In addition, the risk of fluid deficiency also increases due to changes in drinking patterns.

He explained that school-age children generally need about 1 to 2 liters of fluid per day, depending on their weight and activity level. Parents are also advised to help regulate children's drinking patterns during the fasting period until dawn.

"Teach children to meet their fluid needs. It can be divided into 25 percent during Iftar, 25 percent after dinner, 25 percent before bed, and 25 percent during sahur," he explained.

If your child is bored drinking water, parents can solve it with a variety of healthy drinks. "Infused water with fruit pieces can be an alternative to make children more interested in drinking," he added.

In terms of food, Afiffa emphasized the importance of a balanced menu that includes carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. For sources of carbohydrates, he suggested choosing those with a low glycemic index so that children's energy lasts longer.

"Give preference to complex carbohydrates such as red rice, potatoes, or oats so that children do not get hungry quickly," he said.

He also reminded parents to limit the intake of high-sugar foods and drinks during sahur and breaking the fast. "Avoid excessive sugar consumption because it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and make children easily tired afterwards," he said.

For protein needs, Afiffa said that children need about 10-15 percent of their total daily calorie needs from protein. The source can be obtained from eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, tempe, and dairy products.

In order for children to remain enthusiastic about fasting, the menu of food can be adjusted to their preferences, as long as it still meets the principle of balanced nutrition. With proper planning, children can learn to fast safely without disturbing their growth and development.