Getting Kids to Eat Healthy

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good for your children. However, it can be difficult to get them to eat what's good. Here are the basic recommendations for your child's healthy diet.

Fruits and Vegetables	At least half of what they eat each day should be from this category.
Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt	Children 2 to 8 years should eat or drink two (2) cups per day of fat-free or low-fat (1%)milk or milk products. Children age 9 and older should eat or drink three (3) cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products
Meat, Fat and Oils	Protein from lean meat is important for gowing bodies. Limit your child's intake of red meat and keep portions to 1/4 of their daily calorc intake.
Physical Activity and Exercise	Children and adolescent's should be physically active for at least 60 minutes on most and preferably all days of the week.

Do you know how many fruits and vegetables you need? Take the quiz.

Find out how to include more fruits and vegetables - in all forms - into your family's meals every day.

Parents or care takers who are concerned about their child's eating habits, weight or nutritional status should contact the following resources:

1. Schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian at your local health department, WIC office or doctor's office.

2. Primary Children's, McKay-Dee and Utah Valley hospitals offer a six week course - Family Food Fitness - that focuses on healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes for the entire family. For additional information contact Shelley Brown at 588-3594.

3. Local county, city or school recreation programs.

4. American Dietetic Association's web site: www.eatright.org

5. To access the new Dietary Guidelines For Americans, 2005, web site: www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines or call toll free (866) 512-1800.

6. Information regarding physical activity for children:

Check out LiVe, a NEW health campaign for children ages 11-15 and their parents!
Fit TV - www.discovery.com - click on Fit TV icon.