Preschool is a great time for children to learn about nutrition and develop healthy eating habits. Feeding a preschooler can be a challenge, but it’s important to provide the right balance of nutrients to support their growing bodies. To ensure your preschooler is getting the right nutrition, it’s important to provide a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups.
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Fruits & Vegetables
Making fruits and vegetables a part of every meal helps ensure preschoolers get the vitamins, minerals and fiber they need to support their growing bodies. Fruits and vegetables are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect against disease. It’s important to serve a variety of different fruits and vegetables each day, as each type has its own unique nutritional benefits. Some examples include apples, oranges, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and bananas.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and should be included in your preschooler’s diet. Some whole grain options include oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. Whole grain foods help keep your preschooler full longer and provide energy throughout the day.
Protein
Protein is an important part of a balanced diet and should be included in every meal. Some great sources of protein include lean meats, like chicken and fish, as well as eggs, beans, and nuts. It’s important to provide a variety of proteins to ensure your preschooler is getting all the essential amino acids they need for growth and development.
Dairy
Dairy products are an essential part of a preschooler’s diet. Dairy products are a great source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. Dairy products also provide protein, vitamins, and minerals that are important for growth. Some examples of dairy products include milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are an important part of a preschooler’s diet. Healthy fats provide essential fatty acids that are important for growth and development. Some healthy fat sources include avocados, nuts, and seeds. It’s important to limit unhealthy fats like those found in fried foods, processed foods, and sweets.
Water
Water is essential for life and should be the main beverage for preschoolers. Water helps keep the body hydrated and helps support healthy digestion. It’s important to limit sugary drinks like sodas, juices, and sports drinks, as these can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.
Limit Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats and should be limited in a preschooler’s diet. Examples of processed foods include cookies, chips, and candy. It’s important to choose minimally-processed foods, like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, whenever possible.
Feeding a preschooler can be a challenge, but it’s important to provide the right balance of nutrients to support their growing bodies. It’s important to provide a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, dairy, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks is also important. With the right balance of nutrition, your preschooler will be well on their way to a healthy future.