Four Food Groups for Preschool

The nutrition of a preschooler is essential to his growth and development. Lack of nutritious food can lead to children being underweight and at an increased risk of illness due to weak immune systems. Preschoolers are at an age where they can be picky about what they eat. Offering a variety of healthy foods to choose from may help determine which foods your child prefers. Balanced nutrition should be based on the food groups mentioned in the food pyramid.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, potatoes, pasta and rice are also known as starches. They contain nutrients such as thiamine, vitamin B6, niacin, iron, zinc and magnesium. Carbohydrates are essential to a preschooler's diet because they provide him with energy to get through the day. Complex "good" carbohydrates take a long time to digest and they keep blood sugar levels stable so your preschooler doesn't get fatigued or hungry during the day. Good carbohydrates include oats, whole-grain breads, whole-wheat pasta. Simple "bad" carbohydrates spike blood sugar levels and digest quickly, making your child feel hungry again fast. These carbs can be found in white bread, cookies, cakes and white rice.

Fruit And Vegetables

• Fruit and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, Brussels sprouts and peppers, are an important part of a preschooler's diet. They contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, niacin and magnesium. These nutrients strengthen your child's immune system by stimulating the production of infection-fighting white blood cells. Aside from fresh fruit, the frozen, canned, pureed and dried varieties are also good sources of nutrition. Many children don't like vegetables, but if parents set a good example at home by eating a variety of vegetables, children are likely to copy this behavior.

Protein

• Protein can be found in various types of meat and plant sources. High-quality protein contains little saturated fats and includes chicken, turkey, beans, nuts, eggs and legumes. Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue and promotes the production of antibodies which fight infections. Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel is also a good protein source. These seafood sources also contain omega-3 fatty acids which stimulate the activity of bacteria-eliminating white blood cells.

Dairy Products

• Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese contain calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, iron, zinc and magnesium. Dairy products help preschoolers maintains strong teeth and bones and a healthy nerve functions. Preschoolers should consume low-fat or no-fat dairy products to avoid saturated "unhealthy" fats. Dairy products such as milk can easily be used by adding it to cereals or by serving chocolate or strawberry milk.