| Like an adult, every child needs | | | | and vegetables with bright colors, |
| appropriate amounts of calories, | | | | usually attract children's attention and |
| proteins, minerals, and vitamins to | | | | help them fill their stomachs with |
| grow. The new Food Guide Pyramid | | | | something healthy instead of a bag of |
| Guidelines outline the amount of grains, | | | | fried potato chips. |
| vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and | | | | - Dairy products: Foods that are rich in |
| meats or beans people should eat daily. | | | | calcium are essential for children and |
| Children between the ages of four and | | | | adults helping them build and maintain |
| six can usually have serving sizes | | | | strong bones. Low fat milk and fat-free |
| recommended for adults, while younger | | | | dairy products should be served daily |
| children, who have smaller stomachs and | | | | and kids have to eat cheeses with 2-6 |
| lower nutritional needs, need smaller | | | | grams of fat per ounce. The needed |
| amounts of food. But apart from | | | | calcium can also enter your child's |
| consuming the right quantity, parents | | | | organism if he or she consumes orange |
| should keep in mind that exposure to a | | | | juice and eats yogurt. Treats made with |
| wide variety of healthful foods early in | | | | frozen yogurt and fruits, or milkshakes |
| a child's life can set the stage for | | | | made with low-fat milk are always |
| more variety later. Since children are | | | | welcomed and provide the necessary sweet |
| often reluctant to try new foods and | | | | taste children usually crave. |
| would be happy eating the same foods | | | | - Grains: In fact, your child's diet |
| every day, the role of the parent is | | | | should be based on grains and starches. |
| that of a guide towards a healthy and | | | | Whole grain products also contain iron |
| nutritional food lifestyle. | | | | that kids need and whole-wheat bread or |
| First of all, it is important for | | | | pasta can give them the necessary grains |
| growing children to get the full range | | | | for their bodies to function properly. |
| of important nutrients, especially | | | | - Liquids: Remember to serve your child |
| protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. | | | | plenty of water and low-fat milk. Avoid |
| Although appetite variations are | | | | sugary sodas and high-fat ice-cream |
| considered by experts as normal and | | | | milkshakes. |
| might increase during times of rapid | | | | - Portions: Always serve appropriate |
| growth, or diminish during periods of | | | | portions and weight your kids often. |
| slow growth, the general rule of thumb | | | | Sugary foods or those containing |
| is that a 3 year old needs not more than | | | | high-fat ingredients should be generally |
| 1,300 calories daily, a 10 year old | | | | avoided. Offer healthy snacks, like |
| around 2,000 and an adolescent may | | | | vegetables, fruits or a ball of |
| require as many as 2,800 depending on | | | | whole-grain cereal and allow them to eat |
| the height, weight and daily activity | | | | crackers with cheese and low-fat |
| level. | | | | chocolate milk. |
| - Fruits and Vegetables: Have always | | | | Finally, you have to check if your child |
| available in the fridge, plenty of fresh | | | | is gaining the normal amount of weight |
| fruits and vegetables that your kids can | | | | as it grows up and that it exercises |
| chew in case they are suddenly hungry or | | | | often. Outdoor activities and a healthy |
| in-between lunches. Remember to keep | | | | diet plan are enough to provide your |
| fruit juice on one service daily since | | | | kids with the necessary amount of energy |
| the sugar this drink contains has a lot | | | | they need and build strong bodies. |
| of 'hidden' calories. Broccoli, carrots, | | | | |