Toidukorrad

Toidukorrad is an Estonian term referring to the scheduled times for meals, i.e., mealtimes. The word combines toid‍ (food) and kord (time or occasion), conveying the idea of a planned eating sequence within a day. In practice, toidukorrad describe when meals and snacks are eaten, and they are commonly used in nutrition planning, education, and caregiving to support regular eating patterns.

In institutional settings such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and care homes, toidukorrad are part of the daily timetable. They help ensure regular nourishment, manage energy levels, and support digestion. In families, fixed mealtimes can aid children in learning healthy eating habits and help caregivers coordinate schedules.

Typical components include the main meals—hommikusöök (breakfast), lõunasöök (lunch), and õhtusöök (dinner)—as well as snacks, referred to as vahepala or suupiste. The exact timing of toidukorrad varies by age, cultural norms, work or school schedules, and individual needs. Some guidelines advocate regular spacing between meals to support appetite regulation and steady energy intake, while allowances are made for activities, travel, and special diets.

Benefits of well-planned toidukorrad include better nutrient distribution, improved concentration and performance, and easier digestion. Potential challenges involve irregular work shifts, bedtimes, or social changes that disrupt established meal times. Overall, toidukorrad function as a practical tool for organizing daily nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits.

See also: toitumine, toitumiskava, hommikusöök, lõunasöök, õhtusöök, vahepala.