Preschoolers are children usually 3 to 4 years old. They are still learning to interact with others, and to some degree they are still learning how to eat. Preschoolers need to try different foods, textures, colors and flavors. The main food groups for preschoolers need to be eaten every day, in various amounts so that they will grow up to be healthy. Preschoolers are often picky about what foods they will eat, but proper planning and the use of child-friendly recipes will give children food from all of the food groups each day
Grains
Breads, cereals, rice, pasta, crackers and other grains are important for preschoolers because they provide the most calories in a preschooler's diet and they also provide vitamins and minerals. A grain should be eaten with breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for a preschooler, and possibly in snacks as well. Preschoolers should have 6-to-11 small servings of grains each day. Half of a piece of bread or ¼ cup of cereal would count as a serving for a preschooler according to the National Network for Child Care. Plain foods, such as pasta, cereal and rice, are often the only types of foods preschoolers like to eat when they go through picky eating phases.
Vegetables
It is often very difficult to get a preschooler to eat vegetables, such as green beans, celery, broccoli and corn. Even though they are not the favorite food group of most preschoolers, they are an important part of their diet. Preschoolers need to eat 3-to-5 servings of vegetables every day in order to get the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals. Children often model their parents' behavior, so if a parent eats vegetables in front of a child, the child will be more likely to get the recommended servings from this food group.
Fruits
Preschoolers should eat 2-to-4 servings of fruit, such as half an apple or one small glass of 100 percent fruit juice, each day. Fruit makes an excellent snack and since young children need to snack often, parents of preschoolers should always have some fruit on hand. Bananas, peaches and berries are good fruit choices for preschoolers because they are soft.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt, need to be eaten four times a day by preschoolers. Dairy products make up an important food group for young children because they provide calcium, which strengthens their teeth and helps their bones become strong as they grow. Preschoolers usually enjoy easy snacks like string cheese or fruit-flavored yogurt.
Protein Foods
Protein strengthens children's muscles. Protein foods are an essential food group for preschoolers because they grow so much from age 3 to 5. Foods rich in protein include beef, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, lentils, nuts and tofu. Preschoolers need 3-to-5 servings of protein each day. The 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich would count as one serving. Each ounce of meat counts as a serving of protein as well
Member Comments