Tips for Planning Healthy Meals and Snacks for Young Children
Variety: No single food can supply all the nutrients in the amounts needed. For example, milk, cheese and yogurt are all great sources of calcium, but do not contain much iron. Therefore, it is important to eat from all the five food groups - grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and meat & beans - each day.
Moderation: All foods can fit into a well-balanced diet. Young children have small tummies and need nutritious foods at each meal and snack to ensure they get enough of the nutrientsthey need. This is why it is important to limit the amount of sweet, sugary and high-fat foods for young children.
Healthier Options: Whenever possible, choose unprocessed or whole foods over processed foods. Unprocessed or whole foods generally have more nutrients and fiber, and less sodium, added sugars and fat. Here are some good choices:
- Brown rice versus white rice
- 100% whole wheat bread versus white bread
- 100% fruit juice versus fruit drinks
- Cooked chicken versus hot dogs
- Fruits and vegetables versus chips or cookies
Guidelines to Healthy Food Choices for 2-5 Year Olds