Serve modest portions, even if it has to be on a smaller plate. For example, children between the ages of 2 and 8 should have 2 to 4 ounces of meat or meat alternatives each day. Children between the ages of 9 and 18 should have 5 to 6 ounces of meat or meat alternatives each day. Remember that 3 ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.
Limit sweet drinks. Let your child drink no more than 1 small cup of juice, sports drink, or soda a day. Encourage your child to drink water when he or she is thirsty.
Offer lots of vegetables and fruits every day. Children between the ages of 2 and 8 should have 1 to 1½ cups of vegetables and 1 to 1½ cups of fruits each day. Children between the ages of 9 and 18 should have 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1½ to 2 cups of fruits each day. That may seem like a lot, but it is not hard to reach this goal. As an example, add some fruit to your child's morning cereal, and include carrot sticks in your child's lunch.