Healthy and Balanced Diets for Kids

Nutrition plays a large role in human health, especially for children who are still growing. Children's bodies are still under development, and proper nutrition can prevent medical maladies such as diabetes, weak bones and being overweight. A balanced diet allows children's bodies to grow to their full potential and sets a healthy habit for later in life.

Fats

• A balanced diet requires attention to food labels and what you place before your kids to eat for every meal. Basic and broad guidelines for a healthy diet include eating a diet with plenty of grains, vegetables and fruit. Children and adults need a diet with low levels of fat, such as saturated fats or trans fats, to be healthy. Eating sugars and salts in moderation is beneficial, as well as incorporating plenty of calcium and iron to support healthy bone growth.

Food Guide Pyramid

• The Food Pyramid was originally designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote good health for children over the age of 2. It emphasizes the five major food groups: meat, grains, fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich food such as milk and cheese. The Food Pyramid underwent a revision and was rereleased in 2005. The new pyramid includes changes to meet each age group and sex. Ask a local doctor or health clinic to find the specific food pyramid for your child's age and gender.

A Few Revisions to Children's Food Pyramid

• For children over the age of 2 or 3 years old, the new Food Pyramid recommends using 2 percent or lowfat milk instead of whole milk. Eat three balanced meals and two nutritious snacks each day. Limit milk or dairy products to 16 to 24 oz. each day and 4 to 6 oz. of juices. Avoid snacks containing high levels of sugar or fat, chips, sodas and drinks high in sugar juices.

Two Nutritious and Fun Meals for Children

• Nutritious meals for children include almond-crusted chicken fingers with a serving of broccoli and whole grain rice. Almond-crusted chicken fingers are fun and kid friendly. However, instead of fat and deep fried, this option is seasoned in almond and whole-wheat flour crust and baked in the oven -- not fried. Half the fat than traditional chicken fingers!

  Loaded baked potatoes are an option for a child who wishes to be his own chef. Just bake the potato, a healthy and vitamin-rich option when you include the peel, and provide the child the option of what ingredients to cover it with. Lowfat cheese, broccoli, lean ground turkey or beef are just a few delicious ideas.

  Many websites, such as eatingwell.com or healthyeating.net, or magazines, such as "Healthy Eating" or "Whole Living," include healthy culinary options. With a little time and effort, your cookbook can be stuffed to the max with nutritious and fun ideas for you and your child.