Nutrition
The following is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and to prevent various health conditions. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 recommend that people aged 2 years or older follow a healthy eating pattern that includes the following:
A variety of fruits and vegetables
Whole Grains
Fat Free and Low Fat dairy products
A variety of Protein (meat-meat alternate) foods
Oils
These guidelines also recommend that individuals limit calories from solid fats (major sources of saturated and trans fatty acids) and added sugars, and reduce sodium intake. Unfortunately, most children and adolescents do not follow the recommendations set for in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Benefits of Healthy Eating:
Healthy eating can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, consume important nutrients, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as:
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Cancer
Osteoporosis
Iron deficiency
Dental Cavities
The US Department of Agriculture provides healthy eating plans through MyPlate.gov. MyPlate.gov offers a wealth of information on the importance of healthy eating and on educating students and families how to eat healthfully. The links below are also some common websites that can assist families as they choose to live a healthier lifestyle.
https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/facts.htm
https://www.healthychildren.org/english/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/default.aspx
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