Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta The Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta group is at the base of the pyramid, demonstrating that the majority of the daily recommended allowance for foods should be chosen from this section. Children should consume at least half of their daily calories from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta food group. These foods are high in complex carbohydrates, which are the body's favorite fuel. After carbohydrates are digested, energy in the form of glucose is circulated in the blood. The liver and muscles also store glucose for later use during physical activity.
Whole grains add necessary bulk to the digestive tract to aid in elimination of wastes.
Since vegetables contain many different vitamins and minerals, it is important to have a variety of them in your child's diet. Vegetables also provide fiber to aid in elimination of body wastes. Be sure to scrub vegetables before cooking. Ideally, vegetables should be steamed, microwaved, or eaten raw. Occasional stir-frying is acceptable.