Diet plans for children

 Diet plans for children

Diet plans for children shouldn't be too restrictive but should have balanced meals which include all of the food groups. Because children are growing they need to have enough calcium, vitamins and minerals.

Providing a balanced meal with fresh fruit, vegetables, protein, whole grains and dairy will help a child reach a healthy weight and maintain it. Before you look for diet plans for children on your own, you should discuss the weight concerns you have for your child with their doctor. They are the best source of diet plans for your child.

If you prepare a bowl of whole grain cereal, whether it is hot or cold, (after age 3) you should use lower fat milk. Add a fresh piece of fruit and some protein such as peanut butter for a well-rounded breakfast for your child. This breakfast idea is a staple in diet plans for children.

Lunches could feature a baked potato in the skin with cheese and a salad; add another piece of fresh fruit along with a bottle of water. Again, you have succeeded in providing a meal that could work well in diet plans for children.

Dinner might be whole grain spaghetti with a small amount of meat and vegetables added to the sauce. A salad or plate of raw vegetables makes a nice side dish. Finish the meal with a dessert of fruit with a scoop of low fat ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Diet plans for children should include snacks because they are growing and need energy throughout the day. A morning snack could be a unsweetened fruit smoothie, raisins, or a glass of milk and whole grain toast with peanut butter.

Diet plans for children should limit salt intake and fat. They should also have seven to eight servings of fruit and vegetables a day. It is important that children don't skip any meals and eat regularly to keep their growing bodies fueled.

Your doctor can recommend diet plans for children, so that they aren't getting too few calories. Children who eat too few calories can have growth and development issues. There are diet plans for children that have them ingest as little as 1800 calories a day while others serve over 2000. Your child's physician should be consulted before beginning any diet plans.