USDA Food Pyramid for Preschoolers can be customized for your child

The USDA's Food Pyramid, with the foods we need most of pictured in its broad, solid base and those we should eat sparingly squeezed into the tiny tip, is a great visual aid for building a healthful diet. MyPyramid for Preschoolers is for children 2 to 5years of age. The website is http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html. All you have to do to personalize the pyramid for your picky eater is to enter your child’s information for a customized MyPyramid Plan. The Plan will show what and how much your child should eat to meet his or her needs. It will also provide ideas to help you plan meals for your preschooler. Use the MyPyramid Plan as a guide to help you feed your preschool child. Do not be concerned if your preschooler does not eat the exact amounts suggested. Each child’s needs may differ from the average, and appetites can vary from day to day. While the amount eaten daily may vary, the average amounts over time should be similar to this plan. You are the most important influence on your child. You can do many things to help your children develop healthy eating habits for life. Explore ways to help your preschooler:
• Grow up healthy. Complete a growth chart especially for your child to find out more about normal development.
• Develop healthy eating habits. Raise a healthy eater by setting a good example and practicing positive habits.
• Try new foods. Help for picky eaters.
• Play actively every day. Add physical activity into your preschooler’s day.
• Follow food safety rules.