Food choices at lunch during the third year of life: increase in energy intake but decrease in variety.

Aim: Modelling the evolution between the ages of 2 and 3 y of the energy intake and the variety of free food choices at lunch time in relation to children's and context variables.

Methods: One-year follow-up from 2 to 3 y old. In a nursery canteen, food choices at lunch were recorded by trained assistants who monitored portion size. Energy intake and food variety were estimated. Three hundred and ninety-five children were studied, for 112 meals and over 10 mo on average. Mixed models of analysis of variance were used to take into account the longitudinal character of the data.

Results: From 2 to 3 y, energy intake increased. Variety decreased during the first 7 mo and then remained constant. The individual variability in mean values and in evolution was high for both variables. Energy was positively linked to BMI at 2 y. Variety was slightly higher for girls and increased with duration of breastfeeding. Energy was higher in September to November than in December-January. Variety was maximal in December-January and in June-July.

Conclusion: During the third year of life, while energy intake increases, the restriction of food variety appears to be a normal transition phase. Long duration of breastfeeding is associated with higher food variety.