Nutrition allows your child to lead a healthy lifestyle. Since a child learns eating habits at an early age, you must begin teaching nutrition while he is very young. Nutrition includes not only eating right but also exercise to develop growing bones and muscles.

Talk to your doctor about the ideal weight for your child based on age, height and sex. The amount of food and the number of calories needed vary based on the age and sex and level of activity of the child. You must limit the intake of added sugar, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol and salt. Meals should include a variety of food groups and must be presented in a way that appeals to the childs eye and appetite.

Frequently you will have to separate the foods rather than present a medley or casserole. Many kids do not like to have foods mixed so you must respond to the information you are getting from your child.

There are five food groups and you need to insure that your child has something from each group each day. You can get information about the groups and the amounts from the USDAs website, www.mypyramid.gov. Also talk to your childs doctor to find out was the doctor specifies for your individual child.”

There are five food groups (Based on a 2,000 calorie diet) Grains: Eat 6oz Vegatables: Eat 2 and a half cups every day Fruits: Eat 2 cups every day Milk: 3 cups every day Meat and Beans: Eat 5 and a half oz. everyday