Family

Get a Grip on Portion Control
March 31, 2011 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Childhood obesity is a hot button topic, and for good reason. The way we feed our children sets the foundation for how they will eventually feed themselves. While we all know making healthy food choices is key, portion size plays a big role too. All portions are not created equal, and what’s appropriate for adults is different for children. Take banana’s for example—a whole one actually counts as two servings for toddlers, so don’t be surprised if what you consider a snack fills your little one’s belly well into dinner time.

The Scoop
Here’s a cheat sheet to decoding proper serving sizes for popular kid foods. Notice as your little one grows, so does their appetite. Sometimes the differences are as subtle as 1/4 cup or half an egg.

Toddlers, ages 1 to 3 bread, 1/4 to 1/2 slice
cereal, pasta, rice, 1/4 cup
cheese, 1/2 ounce
crackers, 2 to 3
egg, 1/2
fresh fruit, 1/2 piece
meat, 1 ounce
milk, 1/2 cup
peanut butter, 1 tablespoon
vegetables, 1/4 cup cooked
yogurt, 1/3 cup

The School Years, ages 4 to 6 bread, 1/2 slice
cereal, pasta, rice 1/3 to 1/2 cup
cheese, 1 ounce
crackers, 3 to 4
egg, 1 whole
fresh fruit, 1/2 piece
meat, 1 ounce
milk, 1/2 cup
peanut butter, 1 tablespoon
vegetables, 1/2 cup cooked
yogurt, 1/2 cup

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April 1, 2011 12:42 PM Light White Clam Sauce
I love recipe contests and I know you'll love this clam sauce.
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