Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children

Although the health of American children has generally improved over the last thirty years, the number of overweight children has doubled among 2- to 5- year old children and tripled among 6- to 11- yearold children. This has major health consequences, particularly diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Optimal health is achieved through improved diet and increased physical activity.

Critical nutrition concerns about U.S. children include diets with excess amounts of fat, particularly saturated fat, and low amounts of calcium (dairy products) and fiber (whole grain products), increasing the risk of heart disease. A diet high in fiber tends to contain less fat, cholesterol, and energy than a diet low in fiber. The food choices of most US children do not meet the recommended food group servings from the Food Guide Pyramid. Children need to be encouraged to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with emphasis on lower-fat options.

Eating patterns are changing among children. Fewer families eat meals together. Children who eat meals at home with their families have a better quality diet than those who did not. As children age, more of their meals are consumed away from home. Children eating fast food have more fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium in their diets. Healthier foodoptions such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk are slowly making their way onto the fast-food restaurant’s menu.Portion sizes are also larger, contributing to excess calories and fat. Children are consuming more food and beverages today than twenty years ago. Soft drinks are now more popular than milk.