Trying a variety of foods and learning about the many choices is an important part of this experience. The Food Guide Pyramid shows what types of foods to eat each day recommended by the U.S. Government Dietary Guidelines. It's not a rigid prescription but a general guide, based on advice from leading nutrition experts. The Pyramid is based on nutrition principles which enable you and your family to choose a healthy diet that all will enjoy. Snacks Everyone likes, and growing children often need, a little something to keep them going between meals.
Snacks offer an opportunity to provide additional nutrients to the daily diet.
Fruits and vegetables supplement the daily diet with vitamins, few calories and little fat and cholesterol, and therefore are great snacks to offer. Because cookies, candy, chips and sodas are the snacks children usually see advertised, there is little doubt that they will want these items. When children and adults have a balanced, varied diet with moderate portions, snacks like these can fit into a healthful diet. Back to the Table of Contents Role of Parents in Helping Children Understand and Evaluate Food Ads Advertising awareness doesn't necessarily mean being wary of ads. In fact, understanding the food product and how it is sold can help you and your children establish a sensible diet.