Good nutrition is basic for supporting preschoolers’ healthy growth while avoiding obesity. Parents can offer the foods that children need and help them develop good eating habits.
Here are some ideas for helping children eat right:
The amount of food that your child needs depends on his or her age, size, and activity level. Many children will eat more on some days than others. Children should not be pressured to eat more than they want.
It’s best to limit sweet drinks and desserts but not completely ban any food. Sweet foods should not be used as rewards. Water is the healthiest drink most of the time. Sweet drinks and foods may interfere with your child’s appetite for nourishing food, lead to tooth decay, and make it easier for your child to consume too many calories.
When busy schedules make fast food necessary, talk to children in advance about making healthy choices. You can also replace soda with milk or juice, fries with fruit, when possible. Choose grilled foods rather than fried foods.
For more healthy eating guidelines and ways to eat healthy on a budget, visit myplate.gov.
