Food Portions

Food Portions For Kids

It can be hard at times to know how much food our kids really need for proper nutrition. When they are babies, we are given all the information that we need as they bottle or breast feed, and then when they start trying out solids. After that time, however, we are basically on our own. You can get advice from your doctor, but all children are different, so that is only a basic guideline. If you are wondering about food portions for children, you have to take your own child into consideration and listen to their cues.

For a good rule of thumb, remember that their food portions should be half of what you have, if not less. You should never insist that they eat all of the food you give them, as that can lead to eating disorders in the future. Let them eat what they want.

They will not starve, even though you may worry. When they are hungry they will eat. Children are different than adults because they are constantly growing. That means they need smaller portions, yet they need to eat what their body needs to fuel that growth. That can be confusing.

Keep the food portions small at meal time, but give them plenty of snacks. They will ask you for something when they are hungry. Again, you can keep the portions of food small for a snack, but don’t be alarmed if they seem to nibble on everything you give them, yet they seem to want something to eat every two hours. It is very common, and is actually a great way to eat. This also means that they are listening to their bodies cues about food portions rather than just mindlessly eating because they think they are supposed to be doing so.

The one time you should limit eating and food portions is when you child is overweight. This is becoming a problem, and parents have to fight back. Some children don’t learn to listen to body cues, and they just eat when they feel like it, or just because something is put in front of them. You may feel bad by limiting what you give them for a meal or snack, but you are actually doing them a favor. In the long run, you have put their health first and that is one of the best gifts that you can give them.