The largest part of any meal is usually the staple or starchy food. The staple food may be: grains or cereals, such as mealie meal);
starchy roots such as potato), and starchy fruits such as banana. The staple food provides much of the energy or fuel to give us energy
as well as to help us grow and keep healthy. However, a staple food is not enough on its own; we need other f oods with it. The staple
food should form the basis of all meals.
Vegetables and fruits are very important in preventing and fighting infections. It is good to eat a wide variety of these foods, as each
one has a different way to help us. Aim to have some vegetables and fruits that are yellow, orange, red or dark green in colour (such
as spinach, pumpkin, carrots, apricots, mangoes). Also, have some vegetables and fruits such as (lemons, oranges and tomatoes) that
are rich in vitamin C.
Vegetables lose some of their goodness if soaked or boiled for a long time. Cook for as short a time as possible, and use the cooking
water in soups and other foods.
Peas, beans, lentils, sometimes called pulses or legumes, as well as nuts and seeds, are good foods to help the body to build and
repair itself. Aim to eat peas, beans, lentils or nuts and seeds once a day, if possible.
Foods from animals: birds and fish, and animal products such as meat, eggs, milk, yoghurt and cheese, are also important. Animal
foods help growth and repair, to make new blood, and to fight infections. Liver and other organ meats are particularly valuable.
Animal foods may be expensive foods but even a small amount in the meal helps. Sour milk (maas) may be available and does not
need to be stored in a refrigerator. Sour milk may be helpful if a child or adult has diarrhoea and it is good as a source of energy.
Foods high in energy, such as sugar, oil and fats are only needed in small quantities, in general. However, some children and adults
need extra sources of energy to meet their needs and to help put on more weight, so they may need to eat more of these foods.
Sugars and fats can make food taste better, so that a person with a poor appetite may eat better if small amounts of sugar or fat are
added. Aim to eat a variety of foods during each day and throughout the week.
In addition to food, the body also needs water for it to work well. Water is found in foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, the water
we add to cook grains such as rice and soups, and the fluids we drink, such as juices and teas. The average healthy adult needs about
2 to 3 litres or 8 large cups of water each day. Water should be from a safe source and may need to be boiled before use. A person
will need extra water if they have fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. Some medications may not work well if the person is dehydrated.
Effect of HIV/Aids on nutrition
Increased
food needs
Reduced
food intake
Altered body
function
Lower
absorption
HIV
Intervention Programme for the ENHANCEMENT OF CHILDREN'S RESILIENCE
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