Young Kids ( Ages 2 - 3 years) Food Pyramid, Serving Sizes and Nutrition Guidelines

The Basic Five Food Groups of The Food Pyramid

Grains are now measured out in one ounce equivalents instead of by serving sizes in the most recent food pyramid guide revision.

Examples of common one ounce grain equivalents equals:

• 1 slice of bread
• 1/2 cup cooked hot cereal
• 1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
• 1 ounce (3/4 cup) cold cereal

A young kid needs 3 (one ounce) equivalents a day. Divide up between meals and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is approximately 1/2 of (one ounce) equivalent.

About 1/2 of the grains should be from whole grains.




Vegetables: Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, magnesium and fiber

Vegetable servings are measured in cups.

Example of 1 cup equivalents are the following:

• 1 cup raw or cooked vegetables
• 2 cups raw leafy vegetables
• 6 ounces vegetable juice
• 1 medium potato
• 1 large tomato
• 12 baby carrots

A young kid needs 1 cup a day. Split up between meals and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is 1/4 to 1/3 cup.

Offer a variety of different colored vegetables to get a mix of nutrients.

Fruits: Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fiber

Fruits are also measured in cups.

Examples of 1 cup equivalents are the following:

• 1 medium piece of fruit
• 1 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit
• 6-8 ounces 100% fruit juice
• 1/2 cup dried fruit

A young kid needs 1 cup a day. Divide between meals and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup.




Dairy/Dairy Products: Key nutrients: Calcium, riboflavin and protein

Dairy is measured in cups or cup equivalents in the current food pyramid guide.

Common cup equivalents are:

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1-1/2 ounce natural cheese or 2 ounces processed cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese

A young kid needs 2 cups a day. Divide between meal and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack times is 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup.

Meat or Meat Alternatives: Key nutrients: Protein, B-vitamins, iron and zinc

Meats are measured in ounce or ounce equivalents.

Common meat one ounce equivalents are:

• 1 ounce meat, poultry or fish
• 1/4 cup cooked dry beans or baked beans
• 1 egg
• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
• A small handful of nuts or seeds (1/2 ounce)
• 1/4 cup tofu
• 2 tablespoons hummus

A young kid needs 2 (one ounce) equivalents a day. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is 1 ounce equivalent.

Return from The Food Pyramid and Recommended Serving Sizes for Young Kids to The Food Guide Pyramid