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