![\"Healthy](\"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/boston1\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2010\/08\/Healthy-food-2.jpg\")
\nAccording to the American Dietetic Association children should eat 6-11 servings of grains (bread, pasta,
\nrice, cereal), 3-5 servings of vegetables (about 1\/2 cup is a serving for a child), 2-4 servings of fruit (again,
\nabout 1\/2 cup), 2-3 servings of meat, poultry, fish or dried beans, and 2-3 dairy servings every day.
\nHowever, experts agree that children will eat when they are hungry and shouldn’t be forced to eat. Give
\nchildren small portions which won’t overwhelm them, and remind them that they can always have more.
\nSnacks between meals should be nutritious (fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, crackers, yogurt, or juice).
\nKeep fruits and vegetables at children’s eye level in the refrigerator or in a bowl on the table so they will be
\nable to take them easily when they are hungry. Blend juice, chopped fruit and yogurt in the blender for a
\nquick and delicious fruit smoothie. Add a touch of honey to sweeten.
\nInvolving children in meal planning, grocery shopping and food preparation can help them to become more
\ninterested in what they eat. Have them cut out pictures from grocery store flyers to make a picture shopping
\nlist, and then they can help find the items in the store. Help them to choose foods in each of the five food
\ngroups listed above. Serve food in a pretend restaurant with homemade placemats and menus, or create
\nyour own grocery store with empty boxes or cans (if you plan on using cans, open from the bottom and then
\ncheck for sharp edges).
\nMany children need to eat more often than three times per day. If a child becomes cranky or irritable, it may
\nbe time for a snack. Sugary foods make many children excitable.
\nFood safety:
\n\u2022 to avoid choking, never offer food unless the child is sitting upright.
\n\u2022 toddlers are just learning to chew – celery, carrots, grapes, apples, and hot dogs must all be cut up,
\npeanut butter should be spread thinly on bread or a cracker, and children under four should not eat
\nraisins, hard candy, nuts or popcorn, as they are all easy to choke on.
\n\u2022 food storage customs in the United States may be different from those in other countries. Generally,
\neggs, dairy products and all meats should never be left at room temperature. If meat is frozen, it should
\nbe defrosted in the refrigerator or in the microwave, not on the counter. All cutting boards and knives
\nshould be well washed after preparing chicken. Fruit will ripen at room temperature, but if it is already
\nripe, it will keep better in the refrigerator. The one exception is bananas – the refrigerator will turn them
\nblack.
\n\u2022 before opening a can, rinse the lid so the dirt from the outside of the can doesn’t get into the food.
\nRemember, adults should set a good example with the food they eat, and where and how they eat it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"