Fiber is important to children's current health, and it helps them establish healthful, life-long habits. Learning to include high fiber foods and moderate amounts of fat may help children reduce their risk of developing heart disease and some types of cancer later in life. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Get kids interested in fiber by trying cereals like raisin bran or oatmeal and whole wheat bread.
Kids generally love fresh fruits, baby carrots and celery sticks.
The amount of fiber kids need is based on their age. Determine the amount of fiber for kids from three to eighteen by adding their age and five for the grams they need per day. So for a seven year old, it's twelve grams each day. Check labels for the amount of fiber in foods and choose five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Copyright 2000, American Dietetic Association.