National nutritional guidelines for healthy children have been developed by several governmental agencies and professional organizations. The "2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" represents the United States Department of Agriculture's nutritional recommendations for persons aged 2 years and older. The MyPyramid Food Guide provides a way to personalize the recommendations and the MyPyramid for Kids is targeted specifically for children. The Centers for Disease Control emphasizes healthy weight. Professional organizations lend additional insight from the perspective of their pediatrics medical expertise and from the focus on a healthy heart and prevention of chronic disease.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Americans two years and older can live healthier and more productive lives by balancing calories, increasing certain foods and decreasing certain others. The USDA guidelines encourage consumption of more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seafood. Cut back on foods high in sodium, saturated or trans fats, refined grains and added sugars. Switch to fat-free or 1 percent milk, drink water instead of sweetened drinks and reduce daily sodium to 1,500 mg in children. Engage in more active pursuits instead of sedentary screen time such as television and computer games.
MyPyramid
The USDA MyPyramid for Kids food guide is tailored for specific audiences 2 to 5 years and 6 to 11 years. Individualized recommendations reflect your child's needs based on age, gender and activity level. Create your child's meal plan based on an online interactive tool at the MyPyramid website.
CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Body Mass Index for age and gender as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for children beginning at age 2 years. Use BMI to screen for obesity, overweight, healthy weight or underweight. BMI should not be used as the sole measure. It merely indicates if further diagnostic tests or tools are needed to determine if excess fat is a problem. Obesity in childhood results from a caloric imbalance with too few calories expended compared to the amount of calories consumed. Contributing factors also include genetics, behavioral and environmental factors. Healthy eating and physical activity lower the risk of a child later becoming obese and developing related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Breastfeeding is ideal for at least the first year of life because of its benefits to infant nutrition, gastrointestinal function, immune system, neurological development and psychological well-being. Preschoolers should consume a variety of foods that benefit health. Children aged 5 to 10 years need three meals and two to three healthy snacks per day.
American Heart Association
Start in infancy, recommends the American Heart Association, to ensure a child's nutritional health. Breastfeed for about the first four to six months after birth or up to 12 months, if possible. Avoid overfeeding infants and young children. The eating pattern for children and families should include adequate calories to support growth and development and maintain a desirable weight. Eat foods low in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Eat a variety of foods for carbohydrate, protein and other nutrients. Consume whole grain, high fiber breads and cereals. Serve a variety of fruits and vegetables with at least one fruit or vegetable at each meal. Serve fish, but avoid commercially fried fish. Include fat-free or low-fat dairy foods after age 2.
References
- USDA: Dietary Guidelines 2010 Selected Messages
- USDA: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- CDC.gov: Healthy Youth! Childhood Obesity
- CDC.gov: About BMI for Children and Teens
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Promoting Healthy Nutrition
- American Heart Association: Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Children
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