Evening Dialogue of RRI: Teaching Children Fasting and Nutrition Adequacy

Asking children to do fasting is strongly supported by environmental factors. An Islamic atmosphere would make it easier to teach the children. This is not the case with a less conducive environment – it will be difficult and takes certain strategies to do so. This was said Dr. Ir. Ikeu Tanziha Lecturer of the Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology, as the resource person in the RRI of Bogor, (16/8).

Further, according to Dr. Ikeu, fasting can also serve as a detoxification or the removal of toxins from the body, so it is good to do, especially for kids who like foods that contain free radicals such as those found in snacks called ciki-ciki. She says that inviting kids strategy to do fasting can proceed gradually, e.g. from morning till noon, then its frequency can be increased if the kid can do the fasting. This can begin when children are 4-5 years.

Related to the foods that should be consumed by children when fasting, Dr.Ikeu advised to continue to consume nutritious, balanced and various foods and well as safe and lawful. In addition, it is better not to consume more carbohydrates but foods with high levels of protein and vegetables and fruits because protein, fruits and vegetables are not easily absorbed by the body so it will withstand the hunger a bit longer, said Dr. Ikeu.

Meanwhile, if we consume a lot of foods that contain sugar or carbohydrates, this would stimulate insulin to come out and reduce glucose in the blood and we would quickly feel hungry again. At the end of the dialogue, Dr. Ikeu emphasized the importance of creating a good environment and a strong encouragement should always be instilled early in children. (Mtd)