Nutrition (Healthy Eating)

Healthy eating is associated with reduced risk for many diseases, including the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer and stroke. Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and can prevent health problems such as obesity, dental caries and iron deficiency anemia.

Fewer than 25 percent of adolescents eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Most do not get regular physical activity. Parents and caregivers may be aware of the importance of healthy eating and physical activity habits, but struggle with the best way to implement them for their families. With obesity rates rising among children and adults, it's important to provide accurate information and realistic tips for making and sustaining healthy choices for kids.

Most young people are not following the recommendations set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Statistics for U.S. youth aged 6-19 are staggering:

• 67% exceed dietary guidelines recommendations for fat intake
• 72% exceed recommendations for saturated fat intake

In a 2005 student survey, only 20.1 percent of high school students reported eating fruits and vegetables five or more times daily (when fried potatoes and potato chips are excluded) during the previous 7 days.

Setting a good example is the best way to focus your family's attention on good health. Pay attention to portion sizes in addition to the nutritional value of the foods you make available. Offering nutritious meals, eating as a family, and planning family activities such as an after-dinner walk, all contribute to a healthy family situation.

If your child is overweight or obese, consult with your health care provider about appropriate weight goals. Learning to eat in a healthy, balanced manner is critical in childhood because it is very difficult to change eating and activity patterns as an adult.

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