Sample One-Day Menu for a Preschooler

This menu is planned for a four-year-old child who weighs approximately 36 pounds (16.5 kg).

1 teaspoon = 1⁄3 tablespoon (5 ml) 1 tablespoon = 1⁄2 ounce (15 ml) 1 ounce = 30 ml 1 cup = 8 ounces (240 ml)

Breakfast

• 1⁄2 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
• 1⁄2 cup cereal
• 4–6 oz. or 1⁄2 cup cantaloupe or strawberries or banana

Snack

• 1⁄2 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
• 1⁄2 cup fruit such as melon, banana, or berries
• 1⁄2 cup yogurt

Lunch

• 1⁄2 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
• 1 sandwich—2 slices whole wheat bread with 1–2 oz. of meat and cheese, veggie and dressing (if needed) or peanut butter and jelly
• 1⁄4 cup dark-yellow or dark-green vegetable

Snack

• 1 teaspoon peanut butter with 1 slice whole wheat bread or 5 crackers or string cheese or cut-up fruit

Dinner

• 1⁄2 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
• 2 ounces meat, fish, or chicken
• 1⁄2 cup pasta, rice, or potato
• 1⁄4 cup vegetable

If your family would like to include margarine, butter, or salad dressing as a “side” option to any meal, choose low- fat or healthier versions, if possible, and only give 1 or 2 teaspoons to your child.