Serving sizes will vary by age and food. Give 4 servings per day of milk products. Give 4 or more servings per day of fruits and vegetables as well as bread and cereal products. The meat group includes 3 or more servings of lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, or legumes. The appetites of preschool children fluctuate with their energy needs.
Some children can be finicky eaters.
Allow children to select how much they need to eat at each meal while offering nutritious food choices and set mealtimes. Pre-schoolers require about 40 to 45 calories per pound of body weight each day. Eating habits of school age children are usually established by the time they begin school. Offer a variety of foods. Promote regular physical activity to help maintain normal weight.