Correct Response: D. A relative balance of carbohydrates, fat, and protein is especially important in children's diets to promote optimal growth and development. Carbohydrates supply children's daily energy needs; proteins help build, maintain, and replace the body's tissues; and fats play an important role in brain development, vitamin absorption, and energy supply. Eating several small meals and snacks, which helps stabilize energy levels, and eating meals that contain a variety of foods each day contributes to children's development of healthful lifelong dietary habits. Eating three meals a day while limiting snacks and treats (B) can leave long gaps in which high levels of hunger develop, which can contribute to overeating during meals. Foods high in fat (A) or fiber (C) may be important components of a child's balanced diet, but would not be the primary focus of nutrition plans for children.
