As a parent, one of the most important things you do is to help your children learn healthy eating habits. Children need a balanced diet with food from all 3 food groups—vegetables and fruit, whole grain products, and protein foods. Children need 3 meals a day and 1 to 3 snacks (morning, afternoon and possibly before bed). Healthy snacks are just as important as the food you serve at meals.
The best foods are whole, fresh and unprocessed—fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and meats; and home-cooked meals.
Healthy eating can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, consume important nutrients, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as1,2
Instead of.... | Try... |
---|---|
Whole milk | Low-fat milk |
Soda | Water or flavored sparkling water |
White bread | Whole wheat or whole grain bread |
Ice cream | Homemade smoothie |
Butter | Olive oil |
Cream-based salad dressings or pasta sauce | Oil-based dressings or vegetable-based |
Potato chips | Baked chips or nuts |