Children's nutrition does not stack up according to the Healthy People 2010 decade-long U.S. government study. High levels of fat, salt and sugar in children's diets are serious concerns and can lead to early onset of diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, and Health and Human Services, HHS, write dietary guidelines for Americans, the foundation of the federal nutrition policy. This policy specifies the appropriate levels of fat, sugar and salt for children.
Fat
Aim for 30 percent or less of calories from fat in the diet of a child over 2 years of age. Each child's total calories per day varies but likely ranges from 1,600 to 2,200. Check with your pediatrician to determine how many calories and fat grams your child should be consuming. Easy ways to cut fat include switching to reduced-fat dairy products and eating lean white meats instead of red meat.
Sugar
Strive to limit sugar to a maximum of 12 tsp. per day based on a 2,200-calorie requirement. Cut down sugary drinks like soda and juice to one serving or less per day for children. Look for healthy options like whole fruit to quell your child's sweet tooth.
Salt
Keep salt, also known as sodium, at a 1,500 to 2,300 mg per day limit. Salt is added as a preservative to foods that are in a box, can or bag. Start to reduce the sodium in your children's diet by removing the salt shaker from the table, be sparing with salt while cooking and carefully read labels of prepared foods. Your family doctor can determine your child's specific needs.
Expert Advice
In 2010, the White House put forth a new program, "Let's Move," with the goal of improving the health status of children. At a press conference, program spokeswoman First Lady Michelle Obama emphatically stated, "I am determined to work with folks across this country to change the way a generation of kids thinks about food and nutrition." The "Let's Move" website has tools for children, parents and educators to get on a healthy track.
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