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Kids Food Pyramid
The Food Guide Pyramid recently got a new look and a new name.
MyPyramid is the new name. Let’s walk through the new look and what it means.
Inside the pyramid there are six stripes that represent the five food groups, along with oils and fats that children should eat each day. The new added portions are stairs that go along the side of the pyramid. This shows a person actively moving up the stairs as if to show the new component of exercise that is added to your daily diet.
The stripes on the pyramid are broken into colors to show a different food group. They are as follows:
- Orange equals grains
- Green equals vegetables
- Red equals fruits
- Blue equals dairy and calcium-rich foods
- Purple equals proteins (meats and beans)
- Yellow equals fats and oils.
Remember the serving sizes are guidelines that will vary from day to day with your child. Some days they will eat more of a particular food group. This is fine because different foods provide the child with a variety of nutrients, and moderation is the key element to a healthy diet.
Here are a few food ideas for each food group:
- Grains are very important for your child’s energy to last through their day. Grains include foods such as bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Help your child eat whole grains too, such as oatmeal, brown rice and rye bread. Whole grains will help protect against diabetes and control weight.
- Vegetables give your child fiber to help in the digestion process, which is very important. It is best to eat vegetables raw, or steam them so that nutrients are not lost like when you broil vegetables.
- Fruits give children Vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Beware of feeding your child sugar-filled juices. Check the labels and read how much juice you are drinking versus sugar. It is always best to eat or drink the actual fruit itself so that minerals are not lost and sugar is not added during the manufacturing process.
- Dairy products, which include milk, yogurt and cheese, are all great sources of vitamin D. This vitamin helps your child’s bones, teeth, along with muscle and nerve functions.
- Meats, which are proteins like fish, beans, and nuts, help build children’s muscles, and contain iron. A good rule to remember on how much meat you should consume daily is to eat a serving size that equals the palm of your hand.
- Fats, oils, and sweets are important in the diet but should be eaten sparingly. Although fats may be important to maintain good health, you should still limit them because they are loaded with calories.
For questions please contact Amanda Raines, Wellness Works Kids program coordinator, at (864) 725-4664 or araines@selfregional.org
For more information, log onto www.mypyramid.gov and you can find out your child’s food portion recommendations by entering age, gender and exercise habits.