My Pyramid for Kids was developed by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and designed to help children between the ages of six and 11 make healthy choices for eating and physical activity.
There are six major dietary components to My Pyramid for Kids, each describing a different food group. Physical activity is also encouraged for health.
Grains
My Pyramid encourages children to seek foods that are whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals. Knowing that children prefer the taste of more refined flour products, such as white bread, My Pyramid recommends to get at least half of the daily recommended intake of 4 to 6 oz. using whole grain foods. A serving size is typically 1 oz., for example, one slice of bread or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta.
Vegetables
Children are encouraged to try new vegetables, particularly those with deep colors like green and orange. Servings sizes are based on the age of the child. Younger children need 1 to 1 ½ cups, while older children should strive for 2 1/2 cups each day.
Fruits
Fruits are generally well accepted by children, and My Pyramid for Kids encourages at least 1 to 1½ cups of fruit a day. Fruit juices should contain 100 percent real fruit juice to reduce added sugars in the diet.
Milk
Milk, cheese and yogurt are encouraged as calcium sources for children. My Pyramid encourages lower-fat or fat-free products. Most children need to eat 3 cups of dairy foods and beverages per day.
Meat and Beans
This group encourages all forms of lean protein--meat, beans, nuts and seeds. Three to 5 oz. are encouraged each day, with a balance of animal protein and plant protein. My Pyramid encourages children to select foods that are baked, broiled, or grilled and to avoid fried foods.
Oils, Fats and Sugars
Oils are not a food group, but some fat is needed for good health. Using unsaturated oils from plant sources are recommended, such as corn oil, soybean oil or canola oil. Fish and nuts also contain a healthy unsaturated fat source. Sugar is not described as a separate group, but is noted as a food ingredient to limit. Sources of sugar to reduce in a child's diet include soft drinks, candy, cookies and syrups.
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