Proper Nutrition For Children

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

• Trust your child’s appetite – Forcing a child to clean a plate can lead to less healthful eating over time.
• Offer two or three choices – Choice helps children develop independence.
• Plan for snacks – Young children need healthy snacks to get enough nutrients and energy for growth.
• Think about timing – Offer snacks at least two hours before mealtime. Stick to a schedule.
• Relax – If your child doesn’t eat the whole meal. The average of what kids eat over several days is what counts.
• Offer one new food at a time – Kids may need to try a food 5-10 times before learning to like it.
• Be a good role model.
• Make food fun for kids.