MyPyramid for Kids: Food Guidelines for Children
Any parent who has tried to navigate a well-stocked grocery store with a hungry child in tow knows it's a challenge. Weaving through endless aisles of candy, frozen pizza, chips, soda, and sugary cereals without at least one incident of pleading or bargaining is considered a major accomplishment.
But on a daily basis, where is the proper guidance to steer through good and bad food choices? And how can children learn to eat more healthfully?
Helping Kids Make Healthier Food Choices
Since 1894, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been providing Americans with dietary guidelines. In general, they have focused on eating from specified food groups, and emphasized moderation, proportionality, and variety. An updated version of the now familiar “food pyramid” guidelines is now called MyPyramid and MyPyramid for Kids . The latter, developed for children aged 6–11, uses colors, graphics, and language designed to appeal to this age group.
MyPyramid for Kids uses colorful stripes within a pyramid structure to explain the types and quantities of foods that kids should eat. The width of the stripes indicates proportion, and the colors symbolize six specific food groups:
- Orange: grains
- Green: vegetables
- Red: fruits
- Yellow: fats and oils
- Blue: milk and dairy products
- Purple: meat, beans, fish, and nuts
In addition to food, the pyramid also emphasizes exercise. This is depicted by a girl climbing the steps on the side of the pyramid. The message is that it is important to be active every day, and that you can make lifestyle changes “a step at a time.”
The pyramid graphic is just one component of MyPyramid for Kids . Here are additional educational materials:
- MyPyramid for Kids poster
- A Close Look at MyPyramid for Kids : a step-by-step explanation of key pyramid concepts
- Tips for Families: a two-sided handout about eating and physical activity
- MyPyramid for Kids coloring page
- MyPyramid for Kids Worksheet: table to help children track their food choices
- MyPyramid for Kids classroom materials, including lesson plans
- MyPyramid Blast Off: an interactive computer game
MyPyramid provides children with important concepts that virtually all experts agree on: making healthful food choices, practicing eating in moderation, and making exercise a priority. So before hitting the grocery aisles with your little one, take the time to catch up on the suggestions found on MyPyramid for Kids first. In doing so, perhaps the battle over fruits and vegetables versus frozen pizza will finally be won.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
MyPyramid.gov
United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)
http://mypyramid.gov
References:
Johnston CS. Uncle Sam’s diet sensation: MyPyramid : an overview and commentary. Medscape General Medicine website. Available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/508174_print . Accessed January 4, 2006.
MyPyramid for Kids . United States Department of Agriculture website. Available at: http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/ . Updated September 23, 2009. Accessed November 29, 2009.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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