Facebook instagram YouTube Twitter
Jungle Magic
Home

Nutrition For Kids: Guidelines For A Healthy Diet





  • by Jungle Magic

  • Posted on
  • tweet

You want your child to eat healthy foods, and want to know which nutrients are necessary and in what amounts? Take a quick overview of nutrition for kids.

Nutrition for kids is based on the same principles as nutrition for adults. Everyone needs the same types of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein & fat. Children, however, need different amounts of specific nutrients at different ages.

So what's the best formula to fuel your child's growth & development? Check out these nutrition basics for kids at various ages.



Consider these nutrient-dense foods in your kids diet:

  • Protein. Choose seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
  • Fruits. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fresh, canned, frozen or dried fruits rather than fruit juice. If your child drinks juice, make sure it's 100 percent juice and limit his or her servings.
  • Vegetables. Serve a variety of fresh, canned or frozen vegetables — especially dark green, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas.
  • Grains. Choose whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, or brown or wild rice.
  • Dairy. Encourage your child to eat and drink fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese or fortified soy beverages.

Aim to limit your child's calories from solid fats and added sugar, such as butter, cake and soda. Look for ways to replace solid fats with vegetable and nut oils, which provide essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Oil is naturally present in olives, nuts, avocados and seafood.

If you have questions about nutrition for kids or specific concerns about your child's diet, talk to your child's doctor or a registered dietitian.

Recently Added