PROTEIN - It's a key building block of all cells, yet it doesn't take much to meet a child's need . For example, eight ounces of milk ( one cup) and one ounce of cooked meat ( the size of a third of a deck of cards) supply all the protein a 3 year old needs in a day. For a 5 year old, just add one more ounce of meat and another cup of milk. Extra protein won't hurt a child with healthy kidneys, but it can crowd out nutrient-rich vegetables and fruit.
SATURATED FAT - A childhood diet high in this type of fat can raise blood-cholesteral levels and lead to hearts disease in adulthood if dietary patterns don't change. Starting at age 2, childen should get no more than ten percent
of their calories from saturated fat, although it's okay to make the shift gradually. Trans fatty acids ( from partially hydrogenated oil) have similar effects. To cut back on saturated and trans fats, choose leaner cuts of meat, switch
from whole to low-fat milk and dairy products, minimize fried fast foods, and limit high-fat commercial baked goods and snacks.
