Food Pyramid For Kids
Human growth depends on lots of body processes and on the secretion of many substances, and there is no way for it to take place harmoniously without good nutrition. It has become common practice to discuss about the food pyramid for kids because it teaches parents how to meet young children's nutritional needs without causing overweight or chronic diabetes in adult years. If we look at statistics and see that 16% of American children are obese, then precaution is not enough.
The food pyramid for kids emphasizes the five groups of food that are necessary for good health: protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, fat and dairy products. Special mentions warn users that fats and sweets should only be used sparingly for children between 2 and 6. By using a variety of foods only can you meet the nutritional needs of a growing child, and also create the premises for good eating habits to develop later in life. Among the food practices that contradict the specificity of the food pyramid for kids we should mention:
-large desserts,
-plenty of soft drinks and fruit-flavored drinks;
-sugar coated cereals,
-hard candy,
-tough meats,
-chewing gum etc.
If you stick to the food pyramid for kids you will create a diet that is both balanced and rich in nutrients. The amount of food should correspond to the level of intellectual and physical activities. You must provide a diet reach in wholegrain cereals, plenty of calcium and iron and a variety of dishes. Do not exaggerate with sugar or fat because they ruin health from early ages. A great support here is personal example.
You can promote the food pyramid for kids by using its basic guidelines for all the family members. You can't ask your child to stay away from soft drinks if he/she constantly sees you drinking them. When you have the same dietary guidelines to follow in the house, things are a lot simpler. Making ice-cream the rule of the house is a clear example of what you could do wrong here.
To sum it up: you should implement the basic ideas of the food pyramid for kids into the family's diet. Cook natural healthy meals and keep fat and sugar levels low. This will teach your children the basics of good eating, and will make you be at peace with your kids' nutrition. Be creative to make them look forward to your meals together!