Child Diet Plan

Infants, who are less than a year of age is on breast milk and weaning foods. When the child is in the age range of two to six years, the intake suffers. Their preferences differ, resulting in poor nutrient intake affecting children diet plan. They are picky eaters who have a limited likes and dislikes pattern. The Food Guide Pyramid for children was formulated by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture).

All the five food groups are emphasized for good and healthy living. Oils, sweets and fats are also used in a sparing manner. Skimmed milk or two per cent fat milk is advised for children above two years. Kids’ diet plan contains about the same meal pattern as an adult's. Three major meals with two snacks are helpful. The meals and snacks are made nutritious. Milk is restricted to about 24 ounces per day.

Fruit juices should not exceed 4 to 6 ounces on a daily basis. Good eating habits in the childhood helps in future eating pattern. A well balanced diet helps in the prevention of childhood complications, such as obesity, weak bones, poor immune system and diabetes. Physical growth is also achieved to the maximum content. Variety plays a vital role in the diet of a child. High fat desserts and high calorie junk such as french fries, burgers and potato wafers are not allowed. Decreased growth rate results in poor eating. As long as the child is active with all the routine activities, there is little to ponder about.

Grains form the base of the food pyramid of a child diet plan, which includes half a cup of cooked cereal, a slice of bread and an ounce of ready to eat cereal. About six servings of cereals are recommended. Fruits provide phyto nutrients, and two servings are helpful. Quarter cup of dried fruit or half a cup of canned fruits is consumed. Vegetable servings include three, out of which half a cup of chopped vegetables and a cup of green leaves is used. Two t to three ounces of meat is recommended in the two servings of meat. Two servings of milk with two ounces of cheese or a cup of milk is included. Saturated and Trans fats are not recommended for children.

Balanced diet for kids must have a child diet plan comprising of polyunsaturated fats, such as corn, soybean, safflower and sunflower oil. Sugars are also essential, though they provide only calories, like candies, jellies, jams, soft drinks and so on. Carbonated beverages are better avoided. Red meats are replaced with lean meats.

Are Diet Drinks Bad For Kids?

Most pediatricians advise parents against giving children any kind of diet or soft drinks. The main reason for discouraging diet drinks for kids is that these drinks can cause health problems like weight gain, obesity and even bone and tooth decay in young children. It is important to avoid such diet drinks and instead substitute them with healthier options like milk, water and fresh juices. Since the nutritional requirements of children are higher a balanced diet for kids would imply foods rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and other vital nutrients that are required to ensure a healthy and disease free life.

Can Kids Use Lemonade Diet?

Doctors never recommend a lemonade diet for kids or those who suffer from chronic illnesses. This kind of a diet can have many side effects like fatigue, nausea, lack of energy and may even cause nutritional deficiencies and is hence not suited for kids of any age. A lemonade recipe for kids on the other hand is a good option especially in summers to avoid dehydration problems and provide an energy boost. In a kids diet plan it is very important to include foods and drinks that are rich in essential nutrients which are required by growing children to stay healthy.

Submitted on April 1, 2010