An Easy Guide to Good Nutrition

While trying to ensure your children don’t eat too much food, make sure they still get enough of the right foods. Not sure what those are? Read on for insight into creating a healthy diet specialized for the needs of your growing kids.

Sometimes telling children what foods they should eat is not enough to encourage them to eat healthily — especially if they see their parents eating less nutritious foods. When you set a positive example by snacking on fruits and veggies instead of high-calorie options, your children will be more likely to enjoy those foods and to try new ones as well.

“If parents bring a variety of healthy foods into the house and limit options that are not nutritious, children will develop a taste for more wholesome foods,” said Marilyn Day, MS, RD, Co-director of Preventive Programs at The Children’s Hospital Heart Institute and Coordinator of the SHAPEDOWN Clinic. “Encouraging young children to eat nourishing foods routinely helps them to maintain this habit throughout their lives.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid is a great place to start to ensure your children are receiving the essential vitamins and nutrients they need.

Aim to give your child a balanced diet each day, including low-fat dairy, whole grains, lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, beans and eggs, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

For more information about children’s nutrition and how to ensure your child gets the proper amounts of the right foods, visit www.mypyramid.gov and select “For Kids.”