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