Planning a healthy diet for children is not difficult when you rely on some basic guidelines regarding healthy eating and living. The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains a website called MyPyramid.gov that is devoted to sharing tips and resources for achieving a healthy lifestyle. The site presents a food pyramid geared toward children, as well as general tips on leading a healthy lifestyle.
Fruits and Vegetables
MyPyramid.gov advises giving your children a variety of fruits and vegetables. The site advises eating 2.5 cups of vegetables every day and 1.5 cups per day of fruits. The site recommends limiting fruit juices, and drinking only 100 percent fruit juice when it is available. It also notes that dark green vegetables including broccoli and spinach and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes are healthful choices to include more often.
Grains
Grains -- especially whole grains -- are another food group to incorporate into a healthy diet for children. MyPyramid.gov recommends making at least half of grain servings whole grain sources, and recommends eating 6 oz. of grains per day. The site recommends you purchase whole grain products by checking the ingredient and nutrient labels.
Milk and Dairy
Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, a mineral that is important for the growth and maintenance of strong and healthy bone. Favor low-fat and fat-free varieties of milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese when shopping for your children, and try to serve 3 cups of dairy each day. Children ages 2 to 8 should eat 2 cups of dairy each day.
Meat and Beans
MyPyramid.gov recommends that children eat lean and low-fat meat and beans to get their protein needs. It advises preparing foods in ways that contribute little added fat, such as baking, broiling and grilling. Nuts and seeds are also quality protein choices, and are an easy snack to pack for your kids. The site recommends eating 5 oz. of meat and beans per day.
Healthful Snacks
Eating Well magazine has some advice for parents trying to introduce their children to healthier foods and snacks. Try cutting fruits and vegetables into bite-size pieces, and vary the kinds of fruits and vegetables. Mix up some homemade trail mix with dried apricots, cranberries or raisins, and combine with nuts. Serve chopped vegetables with salad dressing as a dip, and keep a supply of whole-wheat crackers for snack time.
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