Food Pyramid For Kids

Did you know that 60% of adult height is determined during the first five years of an individual? This is why it is important to support the adequate nutrients needed by a child during this said period.

The Food Pyramid is the perfect visual tool used to design a child’s healthy diet. It provides a framework for the types and amounts of food that can be eaten in combination to provide your child adequate nutrition.1

The Food Pyramid is divided into four levels of foods according to recommended consumption3

  1. Cereals, legumes, beans, dairy products at the base should be eaten in sufficient quantity
  2. Vegetables and fruits on the second level can be eaten generously
  3. Animal source foods and oils on the third level are to be eaten moderately
  4. Highly processed foods, found at the top of the pyramid, are high in sugar and fat should be eaten sparingly

To complement the Food Pyramid, it is recommended that regular physical activity be added to a child’s fitness regimen.1 The Pyramid provides information on the food types and amounts necessary to meet daily dietary requirements. Each food group is represented by a band or level. Narrow bands at the apex indicate lower quantities, while wider bands at the base mean that more from that food group need to be consumed.

Including plenty of water each day is important too because water accounts for 70% of our body weight and also helps in the upkeep of our health.1

It is very important that an individual ensures getting appropriate foods and incorporates the principle of good nutrition such as variety, a balanced intake of nutrients and moderation. The best way to meet the daily requirements is to eat a varied diet that combines cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, legumes and dairy products.1 to 3

Eating a variety of foods daily as guided by the Food Pyramid should provide all the nutrients needed by the body.

References:

  1. National Institute of Nutrition ICMR. Dietary Guidelines for Indians – A Manual.; 2011. http://ninindia.org/DietaryGuidelinesforNINwebsite.pdf endorsed by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations http://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-based-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/india/en/
  2. World Health Organisation. Healthy Diet Fact Sheet No. 394. September 2016. https://www.who.int/elena/healthy_diet_fact_sheet_394.pdf. Accessed October 7, 2016.
  3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/. Accessed October 7, 2016