Proper Nutrition for Children

• Keywords: Children's Health, Nutrition and Herbs, food, nutrition

How can you help young children meet their Pyramid guidelines? Follow these simple tips:

 

1. Trust your child's appetite -- Forcing a child to clean a plate can lead to less healthful eating over time.

    

2. Offer two or three choices -- Choice helps children develop independence.

    

3. Plan for snacks -- Young children need healthy snacks to get enough nutrients and energy for growth.

    

4. Think about timing -- Offer snacks at least two hours before mealtime. Stick to a schedule.

    

5. Relax -- If your child doesn't eat the whole meal. The average of what kids eat over several days is what counts.

    

6. Offer one new food at a time -- Kids may need to try a food 5-10 times before learning to like it.

    

7. Be a good role model.

Make food fun for kids!!

 

Tami Donnelly, RD, CD
Outpatient Dietitian
Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital