Pediatricians at Keep Kids Healthy report that following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) food pyramid for children is the best tool for planning healthy diet plans for children. The guide, designed for children between the ages of two and six, emphasizes the five major food groups and advises parents to limit sweets and food high in fat and oil.
Nutrition
Children should eat food from every color in the food pyramid every day, report researchers at the USDA. The children's food pyramid includes grains, vegetable and fruit recommendations that provide the bulk of the child's daily diet. Milk, meat and beans also should be included in the daily diet plans for children, as well as a small amount of fat through oils. Children should follow the family's diet plan that ideally provides three balanced meals and two healthy snacks each day.
Dairy
Whole milk is important for very young children and their bone development. After the age of three, children can be moved to 2 percent or skim milk. Pediatricians at Keep Kids Healthy advise parents to limit the daily intake of all dairy products to 16 to 24 oz. per day and about 4 to 6 oz. of juice.
Grains
Early childhood is the best time to help children develop healthy eating habits that will serve them well for their entire lives. By allowing children to eat when they are hungry and to fulfill their own quantity needs, parents can allow children to listen to their bodies for guidance as they grow and become more active. Six servings of grains are the best way to provide fiber and necessary carbohydrates. Grains can come from bread, pasta, rice and cereal.
Fruit
While fresh fruit in season is tasty and nutritious, children can receive just as many vitamins and nutrients from dried, canned or frozen fruit that is packaged naturally or in its own juice. Children should include an average of two servings of fruit in their daily diet plan.
Vegetables
Children need about three servings of vegetables per day. A serving might be achieved with a half-cup of cooked vegetables or one cup of raw veggies.
Meat
Protein is vital for growing children to build their immune systems and to fight infection. Children should receive two servings of lean meat each day. Substitutes that can provide the same amount of protein can include an egg or 2 tsp. of peanut butter.
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