Food Pyramid for Kids

The food pyramid for kids is different than the food pyramid for adults, because children's bodies use food as fuel much differently than an adult.

The USDA Food Pyramid has been used in schools and homes for years. It is a guide for nutrition based on the different food group categories. In 2005, the food pyramid got a face-lift. There was also a separate food pyramid created just for kids.

It may look different than what you are used to. However, the pyramid can be adjusted to your kids’ specific age and gender. Read here to discover more helpful tips for using the food pyramid for kids.

The updated food pyramid and other supportive information can be found here on the USDA website. The pyramid used to have horizontal lines dividing the pyramid in ever smaller portions. Now, the pyramid has brightly colored vertical lines that divide it into very skinny wedges. The size of each wedge represented the proportion of food you should eat from that category per day or per week.

The updates were made for a few reasons. It was not clear enough about carbohydrate servings, and did not put enough emphasis on complex carbs. Also, there was no element of physical activity mentioned. As research has given scientists new clues about physical nutrition and health, it seemed time to update the pyramid with current recommendations.

At first, the pyramid looks almost too simple. It may seem that it lacks much useful information. However, a key update is an interactive feature. At this webpage, you enter your child’s age, gender, and physical activity level if they are between two and eight years old. You may also enter their height and weight if they are age nine or older.

After entering your child’s information, the next page shows you a recommended caloric intake and the recommended servings from each food group per day. You will also see specific information on vegetables, oils, and discretionary calories. Because each pyramid can be customized, you create the right guide for your individual child’s needs.

There are a few key concepts the USDA wanted to emphasize with this updated pyramid.

-Make healthy changes little by little. Too much change all at once can be discouraging. This emphasis also discourages crash dieting.

-Eat a variety of foods. The way to have a balanced diet is to eat from all the food groups each day; eat from all “colors” on the pyramid.

-Eat more of some foods, less of others. The wedges are not equally sized, showing the proportion of foods from each group that should be consumed each day.

-Personalize it. Use the interactive webpage from above to make your child’s pyramid a good match for them. Update it annually or when activity level significantly changes.

-Get moving. Pay attention not only to what your child eats, but also their physical activity. Caloric needs are different for active kids as compared to sedentary kids.

The USDA’s updated food pyramid for kids is a well-balanced way to teach your kids about nutrition. The main webpage has children’s materials to print off so your child can learn about healthy habits. There are so many ways you and your child can use this great resource. Get online together and “run with it.”

The complete food guide and tailored meal plans with ideas to help your child with healthy eating can be found at MyPyramid.gov