Does this scare you???
With Halloween just around the corner… and the onslaught of sweet treats
and sugar, I thought I’d give a quick glimpse into the reality of our childrens nutrition.
Not to be a buzz kill, but to remind you that everything is ok, in moderation!
Enjoy the holiday, just be sure that the rest of you and your family’s nutrition is healthy and nutritious, not something similar to the indulgences Halloween brings about.
Here’s a quick glimpse into the daily needs of children. Do you know roughly where yours would fall?
2-3 years
Boys & Girls 1,200 calories
1 C of fruits
1.4 C of veggies
4 oz whole grains
3 oz meat and beans
2 C milk
4 t oils
4-8 years
Girls 1500 calories
Boys 1700 calories
1/5 C fruits
2-2.5 C veggies
5-5.5 oz whole grains
5 oz meat and beans
2.5-3 C milk
4-5 t oils
9-13 years
Girls 1900 calories
Boys 2100 calories
2 C fruits
2.5-3 C veggies
6-6.5 oz whole grains
5.5-6.5 oz meat and beans
3 C milk
5-6 tsp oils
No, juice doesn’t fall into the fruits category!
I hear all too often “Well they’re kids…” in regards to sugary snacks and quick, easy meals.
Yes, they are kids, and their brains and bodies are growing rapidly! All the more reason to make sure we make the hard choices and decisions that they won’t and can’t make! Shame on you if you allow your child to dictate their own nutrition! Your child is establishing values now, and will have a very difficult time “growing out” of them!
Sorry for the rant, but most colds, disease and mental disorders can be avoided with proper nutrition from the beginning!
