næringarstígvelli

Næringarstígvelli refers to a concept in Icelandic food and nutrition, translating to "nutritional staircase" or "nutritional pathway." It is often used in discussions about dietary recommendations and the gradual introduction of new foods or nutrients into a diet, particularly for infants and young children. The idea is to move through different stages of nutritional intake, building a balanced and varied diet over time.

This concept is frequently applied in the context of weaning and introducing solid foods to babies. Parents are often guided to follow a næringarstígvelli, starting with simple, easily digestible foods and gradually progressing to more complex textures, flavors, and food groups. This approach aims to support the child's digestive development and encourage acceptance of a wide range of healthy foods.

Beyond early childhood, the term can also be used more broadly to describe a structured approach to improving dietary habits at any age. It suggests a process of making incremental, sustainable changes to one's diet rather than undertaking drastic or sudden overhauls. This could involve adding more fruits and vegetables, increasing fiber intake, or reducing processed foods, all done in a step-by-step manner. The underlying principle is that consistent, gradual progress is more effective for long-term health and well-being than rapid, unsustainable changes.