Balanced Diet for a Child

Eating a well-balanced diet can help your child concentrate better, develop strong muscles and bones and encourage healthy eating habits that can continue into adulthood, according to Dr. William Sears, author of "The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood." Choosing a variety of foods from the food groups in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "MyPyramid" program, which includes the grain, fruits, vegetables, milk and meat and beans groups, can help make sure your child is eating a balanced diet.

Grains

Foods made from wheat, oats, rice or other cereal grains count as grains. Whole-grain foods are those that contain all parts of the grain, and refined grains are those that have been milled and processed. Whole-grain foods, such as whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, oatmeal and brown rice, have more nutrients than their refined grain counterparts, and you should eat them regularly, reports the Harvard School of Public Health. Getting into the habit of eating whole-grain foods can help your child prevent chronic diseases later in life.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables provide fiber, essential minerals and vitamins that help your child's development and are usually lower in calories than other foods. As with whole grains, helping your child develop the habit of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce their risk of chronic diseases later in life, according to MyPyramid.gov. Regularly introducing fruits and vegetables to your child will be beneficial as it can take 10 or more tries before a child accepts a new food, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

Milk

Milk, cheese and other dairy products that maintain their calcium content can provide calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein to your child's diet. MyPyramid.gov reports that these types of food are important for strong bones, especially during childhood, when bone mass is being built. Choosing foods in this group that are low in fat can also promote healthy cholesterol levels and reduce your child's risk for heart disease in the future.

Meat and Beans

Meat and beans can provide your child with protein and other important nutrients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, protein is found in all cells and tissues of your child's body, and it is constantly being broken down and replaced. The CDC also reports that most Americans get enough protein in their diets, but you and your child should focus on healthy sources. Some healthy sources of protein include fish, poultry, beans, eggs and nuts.

Foods to Limit

Eating a balanced diet, along with getting enough exercise, can help your child be healthier and happier. Sears recommends limiting foods high in salt, sugars and other junk foods. He reports that eating too much junk food can not only affect your child's weight, but it can also affect his mood. You should also limit sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soda and some sports drinks.