Healthy Eating What should my child eat and drink?
In the October newsletter, we shared information on the importance of forming healthy habits regarding healthy eating. This month's newsletter will include additional tips on what foods and beverages our children should be consuming. Just like adults, children need foods and beverages that are packed with nutrients. Also, like adults, children should consume just enough calories to fuel their daily living and activities. Americans ages 2 years and older are encouraged to consume a variety of foods and beverages. Suggested items include:
• Fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and seeds and whole grains.
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), nuts, seeds, and soy products.
What foods and beverages should be limited?
Youth and adults are also encouraged to get less :
Refined grains
Added sugars
Saturated fats (such as lard, butter, and margarine)
Salt
Added sugars, solid fats, and salt often occur in pizzas, chips, crackers, sodas, sugar-sweetened drinks, desserts like cookies or cake, and fast foods.
Another step is to make sure your children have breakfast to spark the energy they need to focus in school.
*Content provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease and the American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2016) Last Updated 11/16/2020