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Child Nutrition

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One of the growing fields in the study of nutrition is child nutrition. This is extremely important, as teaching a child nutritional habits will enable them to practice good nutrition for the rest of their lives.

A popular method of teaching children nutritional values is the food pyramid, supplied by the Department of Agriculture. This replaces the previous "four food groups" model, and it includes junk food as a category and suggests a number of servings per food group per day. At the bottom is grains, which should be eaten five times per day. Fruits and vegetables and dairy products are on the next level, and should be served three times per day each. Two servings of meat comprise the next level, and finally junk food (fats, sweets and oils) is at the top. Child nutritionists recommend one serving per day at most.

The latest iteration of the food pyramid was introduced in 2005. It contains another important aspect of child nutrition-exercise. Anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour a day is encouraged. The new edition of the food pyramid also stresses gradual improvement, taking steps to gradually improve one's diet and physical activity. The current food pyramid also stresses variety and moderation. The revised food guide pyramid also stresses physical activity over food servings.

Child nutritionists say that children thrive on routines. Therefore, feed children on a regular schedule. Children should also be able to eat at their own pace. Another piece of advice from child nutritionists is to not keep junk food in the house and have only healthy foods instead. When children get hungry, they will instead snack on the healthy food and develop good eating habits. Also, while children may be picky, they are also curious. Child nutritionists recommend serving children a variety of foods, and letting them sample the foods at their own pace.

Child nutrition also benefits from some of the normal advice on nutrition. Make sure to eat whole-grain foods, such as whole wheat bread and whole wheat flour. Also, enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't remove the skins of fruits and vegetables, as they contain most of the healthful vitamins and minerals. Also, don't cook fruits and vegetables. Cooking them leaches out most of their nutrients. Steaming fruits and vegetables, however, is permissible.

Always check with your doctor or physician before starting any nutrition or Child Nutrition.