A Guide to Setting Food Portion Sizes for Young Children

Despite their young age, children are bound to show a preference for certain types of food. They are likely to ask for second helpings or larger portions if any of their favourites are served on the table. Unfortunately, most of the foodstuff that little ones prefer are high in fat and sugar content. In order to assure that your child gets his nutritional needs met, it is essential to monitor portion sizes. This article intends to provide the reader with some tips on doing this properly.

Begin by putting everything you will be serving for lunch or dinner into individual serving bowls or platters and place them on the table. That way, it would be easier to serve your son or daughter the right portion size. Next, put a tablespoon of food on a plate per year of age. Remember to get just enough to fill the utensil and not have it heaping. Follow the same amount for each of the items being served. This could include vegetables, fruit, salad, and a small to medium size piece of meat. However, if you are dishing out a casserole, rice, or soup, put in a double portion. Do the same if you have prepared a dish that can be considered as a complete meal.

If your child asks for an additional serving, cut the portion size in half. For instance, three tablespoons as as opposed to six tablespoons for a six year old. Depending on the age of your kid, pour them six to eight ounces of juice or milk to accompany their meal. Think about giving dessert as a snack one and a half to two hours after the meal. Avoid cutting and serving your child more than a four inch square of cake.