Myplate is a nutrition guide currently being used, published by the United States Department of Agriculture. Myplate depicts the picture of a plate and a glass divided into 5 food groups. These food groups are consistent of Grains, Proteins Vegetables, Fruits, and Dairy products. The figure suggests the proportions of each kind of food group that should be incorporated in a healthy diet. These amounts are 30% grains, 30% vegetables, 20% fruits, 20% proteins and a very small portion of dairy.

The Myplate For My Child?

How finicky are your younglings when it comes to food? One complaint that is prevalent throughout the zone of motherhood is probably how their children like junk and junk alone. It is very important that parents include these food groups in the diets of their children to ensure healthy living and a lively childhood. The right kind of balanced diet in childhood can cultivate and define the kind of life you will live when you grow up. So, dear parents get a hold of your children and get these food groups going!

Here is a comprehensive understanding of the importance of a healthy plate for your little ones given the 5 major food groups!

Grains For Kids – 30 %

When kids eat their favorite foods like pastas, pizzas, popcorn and hamburgers, they are in effect consuming grains! Grains contain nutrients that are highly essential for kids and their growth and are an important part of a healthy plate for kids! Fiber is a very useful nutrient that is present in substantial levels in grains, which promotes a healthy functioning bowel preventing children from stomach cancers and the more benign constipation. Fiber also consists of fewer calories and promotes feelings of being full, preventing kids from snacking on unhealthy junk food and unnecessary sweets. Grains are also consistent of three very essential minerals. Minerals are an important component of a healthy plate for kids and those prevalent in grains include Magnesium, Iron and Selenium. Iron helps build make blood and protects kids from Anemia; Magnesium builds stronger bones in children and Selenium protects kids from being prone to infectious diseases by strengthening their immunity system. Furthermore, grains also consist of carbohydrates that are highly essential in terms of providing energy to kids, getting them pumped up and active in everything that they do!

Fruits and Veggies for Kids – 30 % Veggies & 20 % Fruits!

Fruits and veggies are a very important component of a healthy plate fit for your kids! Fruits and veggies are deeply embedded with various nutrients, minerals and vitamins which work in different ways to promote your child’s health in different ways. Fruits and veggies can help reduce the risk for a number of diseases, strokes, cancers, infectious diseases and what not! Fruits and veggies are miracle workers promoting a healthy growth in kids, strong bones, and a powerful immunity system. Be sure to get your kids munching on fruits and veggies by incorporating them in their healthy plates every day!
Try yummy frozen yoghurts embellished with fresh fruits, fruit juices, fruit smoothies or maybe fruit tarts or fruit salads, whatever helps your child’s palate! As far as veggies are concerned, dice them up and toss up a yummy salad toppled with cheese or take carrot, cucumber or radish sticks and fix a dip to enjoy these with and your kids are sure to love em’!

Proteins for Kids 20 %

Our body’s tissues, muscles and immune system are all mostly made of proteins. Not only that, even the outer layers of our hair, skin and nails are made up of proteins. Proteins are a very important for a healthy plate for the kids as they help build muscles, promote growth and strengthen the immunity system along with repairing damaged tissues!

Proteins can be found widely in Eggs, Meat, Cereal, Yoghurt, Milk, Peanut butter, Fish and so much more! Blend in a smoothie with some yoghurt, a glass of milk and your kid’s favorite fruit and they’ll gulp it down like no one’s business! Or fix your child a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! The possibilities are endless.