Muscat – What children eat can affect more than their physical growth. A balanced diet can help improve concentration, memory and classroom participation, while unhealthy eating habits may leave young learners tired and struggling to focus, health experts in Oman have warned.
Dr Shamsa bint Ahmed Al Harthy, Head of the School and University Health Programmes Department at the Ministry of Health, said breakfast is particularly important in providing the brain with the energy needed during the school day.
She cautioned against excessive consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar and low in nutritional value, which can cause energy fluctuations and lethargy and affect concentration and academic performance.
Children should have a varied diet containing whole grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, as well as protein from eggs, fish, chicken, meat and legumes, alongside essential vitamins and minerals, she said.
Nutrition should also go hand in hand with physical activity. A balanced diet provides the energy and nutrients needed for growth, while exercise supports healthy bones and muscles, fitness and a healthy weight.
Schools have an important role in turning health advice into everyday habits, Dr Shamsa said. School broadcasts, lectures, competitions and interactive activities can help children understand healthy choices, while nutritious canteen options and easy access to water can reinforce those lessons.
“Promoting students’ health is a shared responsibility between the school and the family,” she said.
Khamis bin Hamad Al Hasani, Assistant Principal of Imam Barakat bin Mohammed School for Boys, said schools should integrate nutrition awareness into classroom and extracurricular activities and work closely with families and health authorities.
He called for school canteens to offer varied, nutritious choices while limiting foods and drinks with little nutritional value. “Proper food storage and safety should also be maintained.”
Meanwhile, Samra bint Said Al Maashari, a psychologist at the Ministry of Social Development, said children’s eating habits are shaped largely at home by family relationships, psychological wellbeing, parenting and role models.
“At a young age, children often learn by watching adults rather than through direct instruction,” she said. “Regular mealtimes and consistent approaches to food can provide security and help establish healthy routines.”
Allowing children to make appropriate food choices and involving them in preparing meals can build responsibility and create positive associations with food and family life.
Samra also cautioned against turning healthy eating into rigid rules. “The family dining table can instead become an opportunity to teach communication, patience and sharing.”
A nutritious breakfast and an organised morning routine can help children make a calmer transition to school, while a supportive home environment can lay the foundation for lasting healthy eating habits and a balanced relationship with food, she said.
