Nutrition for Young Child

WHAT IS GOOD NUTRITION Nutrition refers to how bodies use food. Good nutrition, growth, health, and learning go together. Good nutrition is especially important for young children because they grow so quickly. Nutritious food fosters proper development and enhances learning. The child who eats poorly
loses interest quickly, lacks energy, is sick more often, and is irritable.

                        

BREADS, CEREALS AND RICE (6 to 11 servings per day)

At the base of the pyramid is the Breads, Cereals and Rice Group. Grains and foods made from grains form this group.

Foods in the Breads, Cereals, Rice Group provide complex carbohydrates (starches), vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Grains include wheat, rice, oats, rye, millet, and corn. Enriched flour, cereal, whole-grain breads, macaroni and other pasta, oatmeal and cornmeal are some of the nutritious foods made from grains.

Even young children need six or more child-sized servings of whole grain or enriched grain foods daily.


VEGETABLE GROUP (3 to 5 servings per day)

At the next level of the pyramid are the vegetable and fruit groups.

Vegetables provide vitamins A and C and folate, as well as iron. They are low in fat and high in fiber.

It is easy to select foods from this group since any vegetable may be chosen.
Dark green and deep yellow vegetables should be served several times each week. These vegetables are especially rich in vitamin A.


FRUIT GROUP (2 to 4 servings per day)

Fruits and vegetables share the same level on the pyramid. Fruits (and their juices) provide vitamins A and C. They are low in fat and sodium.

 Citrus fruits should be served daily. These fruits are rich in vitamin C.


MEAT, POULTRY, FISH, PULSES, EGGS, AND NUTS GROUP (2 to 3 servings per day)

One of the two groups near the top of the pyramid is the Meat, Fish, Poultry, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts Group. Foods in this group provide protein, vitamins, and iron.

Some plant foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, and pulses have a high protein content,  are included in this group
It is best to serve the plant foods in this group with some animal protein, such as cheese or milk. Proteins in plant foods are slightly different from those in animal foods, and young children need both types of protein.
MILK, YOGURT, AND CHEESE GROUP (2 to 3 servings per day)