How much juice is too much?
Randy Simon, Riverview, FL
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Great question! Just as there’s a risk in not getting enough daily nutrition, there’s also a risk in getting too much of a good thing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting fruit juice to 4-6 oz. per day for children 1-6 years of age and 8-12 oz. for children 7-18 years of age. Make sure you are choosing a 100% fruit juice that supplies at least 100% of the recommended value of Vitamin C.
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How can I convince my child to try something new?
Daniel Williams, Dayton, OH
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
You cannot
convince a child to try a new food. But you can offer a new food over several meals or snacks times. Your child needs to have several experiences with the same food before they will accept it. Forcing or offering an item as a bribe for your child to eat something "good for them," is not recommended and often will not work. Keep a relaxed meal setting and offer your child a new food several times over several days. Remember studies have shown it can take a child up to 10 times to accept a new food.
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How can I help my picky eater get the nutrition he/she needs?
Catherine Ciprian, Sheffield, MA
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Most children will get what they need regardless of the changes in food intake from day to day. Some young children are sensitive to new textures and tastes. Offer a variety of foods with different textures and tastes in a RELAXED environment. Over time, your child will find foods they like and will eat with no problem. This is a developmental step. So keep calm and go with the flow. Don’t be surprised to see them eat foods at a friend’s house they don’t eat at home. This is very normal.
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What is a serving of fruit/veggies?
Gary Hewis, Glenwood Landing, NY
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Use the Food Pyramid Guide to help guide you to the best portion sizes and nutritional mix for your child.
• A serving of fruit is: 1/2 cup-chopped, cooked or canned fruits, 1 medium apple, orange, pear etc. or 6 oz. of fruit juice.
• A serving of vegetable is: 1/2 cup-cooked or raw vegetables, 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables or 6 oz. of vegetable juice
One great way to get your kids the fruit and vegetable nutrition they need is with juice. An 8 oz glass of Juicy Juice Harvest Surprise, for example, provides a full 25% of their daily fruit and vegetable requirement.
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How can I include more whole grains in my toddler’s diet?
Megan Handover, Huntsville, AL
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Look for whole grain breads and cereals when shopping – use the nutrition panel on the side of the packaging to guide you. There are also many pasta products made from whole grains that can easily be added to favorite recipes like macaroni and cheese or spaghetti. Whole grains are rich in fiber and contain vitamins and minerals important for your child’s good health and development.
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My daughter doesn’t like milk, what are other sources of calcium and Vitamin D besides cheese and yogurt?
Sherry Matthew, Middle Island, NY
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Many people don’t realize that vegetables are a terrific source of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, chick peas, lentils, canned sardines, salmon and other fish with bones all provide good calcium sources. You might also want to consider orange juice fortified with calcium.
For non-milk drinkers, try making a smoothie with powdered milk and fruit or fruit juice as an alternative to a glass of milk.
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My child doesn’t like eggs or meat, how do I make sure she gets the protein she needs?
John Mars, Richlandtown, PA
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
All children go through stages of liking some foods and not others. The key is not to force her to eat things that don’t appeal to her. Bring more protein into your child’s diet with things like yogurt, peanut butter and cheese. Use the following to guide you:
• 2-3 servings of milk, yogurt and/or cheese - a serving is 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 ounces of cheddar cheese or 2 ounces of a processed cheese, like American cheese.
• 5- 6 ounces of beans, poultry, peanut butter, nuts and fish per day - 1/2 cup of dry beans or tofu is equal to 1 ounce, and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or 1/3 cup of nuts counts as 1 ounce.
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My 6 year old is so rushed in the mornings -- is breakfast really that important?
Jennifer Cunnings, Long Beach, CA
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Your child needs a nutritious breakfast to be alert and able to concentrate at school. Unfortunately, breakfast is the meal most likely to get lost in a busy morning. Some ideas that have worked for other parents who make time for a healthy breakfast for their kids include:
• Set your table for breakfast the night before, so you are ready to go in the morning.
• If your child doesn’t feel like eating right away, consider offering them a small glass of 100% fruit juice after they wake up. This may help stimulate their appetite.
• Some kids are groggy first thing in the morning. Don’t push it. After getting dressed they should be ready for breakfast. If you need to, make an "on-the-go" breakfast.
• Pack chilled milk or 100% fruit juice with some breakfast cereal and sliced fruit and cheese to be eaten on the way to school.
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How often should I give snacks without compromising my toddler’s appetite at mealtime?
Tiffany Wendig, Wilmar, AL
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
A morning and afternoon snack are fine to keep your toddler from getting hungry between meals. You just want to make sure the size and timing of snacks do not interfere with lunch and dinner. Try to offer a nutritious snack that contributes to their overall intake and not empty calories. Snacks should count towards the total servings from each food group that your child needs to eat every day.
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With all the news about childhood obesity, I want to make certain I’m doing everything I can to help my kids maintain their proper weight. What is an appropriate portion for a snack for a toddler?
April Mannings, North Woodmere, NY
Carol A. Savage, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian, Mother of Two, says:
Toddlers need a lot of energy to keep them on the run. As long as you stick to healthy foods, you should be fine. Think 1/2 to one serving from one or two of the Food Guide Pyramid Food Groups, including:
Whole-grain breakfast cereal: 1/2 - 1 cup
Vegetables or fruits: 1/4 - 1/2 cup
1/2 - 3/4 cup of fruit or vegetable juice 1/2 or a whole medium apple, orange, banana or pear Milk or yogurt: 1/2 to 1 cup
Meat, poultry or fish: 1 1/2 to 3 ounces – a little bigger than the size of a sticky notepad
1/4 - 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans or tofu 1 egg = 1 ounce 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter = 1 ounce 1/3 cup of nuts = 1 ounce
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