Provide recommendations for helping children to make healthy food choices when the choices become theirs to make

Answer 1

Children growing up today not only need to be fed well in the interest of growth and development but also need to learn enough about nutrition to make healthy food choices when the choices become theirs to make. Thus, it is desirable for children to learn to like nutritious foods in all of the food groups. Parents and caregivers should provide a variety of healthful foods to help the child get the nutrients he or she needs and to encourage the child to try new foods. When introducing new foods at the table, parents are advised to offer them one at a time—and only a small amount at first. Whenever possible, the new food should be presented at the beginning of the meal, when the child is hungry. Because children have fluctuating appetites and a smaller capacity for the amount of food they can consume at one time, it is common for most children to eat four to six times a day. Snacks can play a significant role in the child's daily nutrient intake; providing the opportunity for the child to choose his or her snacks from two or three options can also promote greater acceptance of a variety of foods.