Sample Meals for Preschoolers: 3 to 5 years old
Sample Menu 1
| Breakfast | Mini mushroom omelettes or breakfast cups Strawberries and banana slices Milk |
| Morning Snack | Quark and berries parfait Water |
| Lunch | Cream of parsnip and carrot soup 100% whole wheat unsalted crackers or pita bread Raw vegetables (carrots, celery sticks, red pepper slices) with salad dressing for dipping Milk |
| Afternoon Snack | Apple slices with nut butter or cheddar cheese Water |
| Dinner | Mini meatballs Whole wheat pasta with tomato and vegetable pasta sauce Milk |
| Bedtime Snack | Granola and fruit bites |
Sample Menu 2
| Breakfast | Oatmeal pancakes with apple sauce Milk |
| Morning Snack | Yogurt and fruit smoothie |
| Lunch | Tuna grilled cheese or mini sandwiches on multigrain bread or whole wheat crackers Cucumber slices with dip Orange wedges Milk |
| Afternoon Snack | Hummus with raw vegetables (carrots, celery sticks, red pepper slices) baked tortilla chips or whole wheat pita bread Water |
| Dinner | Tofu vegetable stir fry with brown rice Milk |
| Bedtime Snack | Chocolate and almond bliss bars |
Children and high mercury fish
For children between one and four years of age limit frozen/fresh tuna, shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy and escolar to 75 grams per month. These fish contain high levels of mercury. Young children between five and 11 years of age can have up to 125 grams of these large, predatory fish per month.
For children between one to four years of age limit albacore (“white”) canned tuna to 75 grams per week. Young children between five and 11 years of age can consume up to 150 grams or albacore (“white”) tuna per week. Albacore (“white”) canned tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna.
Tips for feeding your preschooler (3 to 5 years)
- Let your child decide what and how much to eat from the foods your offer. Continue to offer a variety of familiar foods and new foods at each meal.
- Always supervise your child while eating. Cut foods into bite size pieces to avoid choking.
- You can switch from full fat milk (3.25%) to skim, 1% or 2% milk. Fortified soy, rice, almond or coconut beverages can also be introduced at this age.
- Offer water between meals. Sipping on milk or juice between meals can decrease appetite. If you give your child juice, offer 100% fruit juice and limit it to 4 – 6 oz (125-175 mL) a day.
- Eat meals and snacks prepared at home more often. Prepare healthy homemade recipes. Try chicken tacos, vegetarian chili and fruit and oatmeal muffins.
