Eating Right

Eating right at a young age is very important to your growing body. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans published in 2010 describes a healthy diet as one that

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

For more specific information check out the interactive website, http:/www.choosemyplate.gov/

Some additional tips:

• Eat breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast do better in school, tend to eat less throughout the day, and are less likely to be overweight.
• Drink milk, including fat-free or low-fat milk. Did you know that a cup of skim milk has only 80 calories as well as protein and calcium whereas, a can of soda has 150 calories of sugar and no other nutrients?
• Eat a variety of foods from all the different food groups including at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water (at least four to six 8-ounce glasses a day).
• Watch your portion size — choose smaller portions at fast-food restaurants and avoid supersizing.
• Stay away from fad diets and diet pills.
• If you choose to become a vegetarian, talk to your doctor or dietitian on how to make nutritious vegetarian choices.
• Be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day.

Only you can take charge of your eating style. Start now!

Information Sources:  

KidsHealth and United State Department of Agriculture