How many meals a day is generally acceptable for a preschooler according to guidelines?

The generally accepted guideline for preschoolers is to have three meals a day. This is because preschoolers require a consistent intake of nutrients to support their rapid growth and development, and three meals help ensure they receive a balanced diet throughout the day. Additionally, healthy snacks are encouraged between meals to provide further nutrition and maintain energy levels.

While some may consider fewer meals or less frequent feeding, this could lead to inadequate calorie and nutrient intake, impacting a preschooler's health and development. Thus, three meals, complemented by snacks, are optimal for this age group to ensure they receive the necessary nutrition and energy for their active lifestyle.