KIDS FOOD

Some kids prefer sandwiches without crusts, while others only like plain hamburgers. Kids can be picky eaters, but there are several meals that always seem to be winners.

Yet, these meals are not always filled with the nutrition that kids need. The United States Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines for Americans lays out specific 

Yet, these meals are not always filled with the nutrition that kids need. The United States Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines for Americans lays out specific calorie counts and food group amounts for kids based on age, gender and exercise levels. For example, an 8-year-old female with less than 30 minutes of exercise should have about 1,400 calories per day made up of 5 ounces of grains, 1.5 cups of vegetables, 1.5 cups of fruit, 2 cups of milk and 4 ounces of protein.

Groups of Food for Kids:

                                

• Go Foods

          These are foods that are good to eat almost anytime. They are the healthiest ones. Example: skim and low-fat milk.

• Slow Foods

        These are sometimes foods. They aren't off-limits, but they shouldn't be eaten every day. At most, eat them several times a week. Example: waffles and pancakes.

• Whoa Foods

          These foods should make you say exactly that — Whoa! Should I eat that? Whoa foods are the least healthy and the most likely to cause weight problems, especially if a person eats them all the time. That's why Whoa foods are once-in-a-while foods. Example: French fries.