It’s important to help your kids make healthy food choices and be physically active every day. They need the same food groups as adults do—in smaller quantities. If you need help determining a balanced diet for your kids visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/
Give them variety.
Encourage your kids to eat a variety of nutritious foods daily.
Make half their grains whole.
Big G Kid Cereals are made with whole grains so always keep a few boxes around—as well as whole wheat bread, oatmeal and low-fat popcorn.
Vary their veggies.
Give them a choice of dark green and orange vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes.
Focus on fruits.
Keep fruit in the kitchen at all times. Serve fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits at meals and snack time.
Get calcium-rich foods.
Calcium is important for building strong bones—serve nonfat and low-fat milk and yogurt as often as possible.
Go lean with protein.
Serve lean or low-fat chicken, turkey and fish. They might like dry beans and peas, nuts and seeds, too.
Change their oil.
Help children get nutrients from oils contained in fish, nuts and liquid oils such as canola and olive oil.
Don’t drink empty calories.
Help kids choose milk and other beverages that don’t list sugar and sweeteners as one of the first few ingredients.
Make sure they get enough exercise.
Exercise helps kids stay healthy and gives them a natural outlet for their energy. Shoot for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day—it doesn’t have to be all at one time. Set a good example with fitness. Be active with your kids, pets and family members every day.
Indoor, outdoor and in-between family fun activities:
- Hopscotch
- Four Square
- Marbles
- Marco Polo
- Capture the Flag
- Hide-n-Seek
- Red Light/Green Light
- Ring Around the Rosie
- Duck Duck Goose
- Chinese Jump Rope
- King of the Hill
- 500
- Horse
- Say Say Oh Playmate
- Hot Potato