About this topic
A healthy diet is important during these years of your childs life. Food will give your child the nutrients needed to grow and develop. Your child's nutritional needs are based on their age, gender, and how active they are. Make sure your child's diet has the right amount of: ‚
- Calories
- Carbs
- Protein
- Fat
- Vitamins and minerals
- Fiber
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What will the results be?
Your child will grow and develop to full potential. Your child will be less likely to develop obesity. They may be at a lower risk of certain diseases. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Your child should play by moving around each day. Limit the time spent playing video games, watching TV, or on the computer. Less than 2 hours per day is suggested. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor if your child needs a vitamin. Children who eat a varied diet often do not need extra vitamins or minerals. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Offer your child many different foods. This will help your child get all of the important nutrients needed. Talk to a dietitian for meal planning tips. ‚
Who should use this diet?
Children ages 2 to 11 years should use this diet. ‚
What foods are good to eat?
- Grains: Try to eat at least three servings of whole grain bread, cereals, brown rice, pasta, or crackers each day.
- Vegetables: Eat a lot of vegetables. Try to pick different kinds and colors. Try to eat more fresh or frozen and less canned vegetables.
- Fruits: Eat many different types of fruits, but try to limit juice. Juice may have added sugar and less important nutrients, such as fiber. Fresh or frozen fruit is much better for you than juice.
- Fats: Cut back on solid fats, like butter, lard, or margarine. Use good fats found in fish, nuts, avocados, and olive oils.
- Milk: Choose low fat (1%) or fat free.
- Meats and beans: Try to eat more low fat or lean meats. Eat more fish, chicken, turkey, and beans and less red meat.
What foods should be limited or avoided?
- Sweets, like candy, cookies, or cake
- Solid fats
- Soda
- Fried foods, like chips or French fries
When do I need to call the doctor?
Talk to your dietitian about other options if your child is being picky with foods. ‚
Helpful tips
- Snacks count! Make sure they are healthy.
- Give your child healthy food choices. This will help control what foods your child eats. Do not encourage overeating.
- Do things together. Be a role model for your child. Make healthy food choices for yourself.
- If possible, eat dinner as a family each night.
- Let your child help with meal planning, shopping, and cooking. Children are more likely to eat what they help with.
- Make home-cooked meals.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/pages/Childhood-Nutrition.aspx ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/habits.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚