At all stages of life, nutrition plays an important role in maintaining good health. It is important not only for growth and development, but to maintain strong bones and teeth and build a good immune system. Specific nutritional needs change at different stages of life. For example, infants and toddlers have different nutritional needs than teenagers and adults. Children with special health care needs may also have special nutritional needs.
Don’t forget that good nutrition combined with daily exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. And parents are the first and most important role model for children when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
In an effort to make it easier for parents to figure out how to feed their kids nutritious, balanced meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an easy-to-follow food guide.
Current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) dietary guidelines, which provide practical advice on eating a healthy, balanced diet, recommend that kids eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day.