Federal Government Guidelines to Childrens Healthy Nutrition

These amounts are based on preschoolers but you can go to MyPrymid.gov and customize the profile for your childrens age....

Your little ones should have 1,800 calories per day for proper development.

Incorporate 6 oz of whole grains every day and at least half of that should be whole grain. Just because bread is brown does not mean it's whole-grain. Search the ingrediants list to make sure the first word is "whole" (like "whole wheat")

2 1/2 cups of vegetables with lots of color should be eaten by days end. Go dark green with broccoli and spinach, or try orange ones like carrots and sweet potatoes.

1 1/2 cups of fruit daily are natures treat...sweet and delicious. Go easy on juice and make sure that it's 100%

2 cups of milk is a must for the calcium to build strong bones. Look at the carton or container to make sure that your milk, yogurt or cheese is lowfat or fat-free.

5 oz of meat or beans a day is your childrens' building block. Eat lean or lowfat meat, chicken, turkey and fish. Ask for it baked, broiled or grilled. Not fried. It's nutty, but true. Nuts, seeds, peas, and beans are all great sources of protein too.

Oils are not a food group, but you need some for good health. Get it from oils from fish, nuts, and liquid oils such as corn oil, soybean oil and canola oil.

Fats and sugars---know your limits. Get your fat facts and sugar smarts from the Nutrition Facts label. Limit solid fats as well as foods that contain them. Choose food and beverages low in added sugars and other caloric sweetners.

Find your balance between food and fun. Move more. Aim for at least 60 minutes every day. Walk, dance, bike, rollerblade...it all counts. How great it that!

Keep your children strong by feeding them healthy!