At all stages of life, nutrition plays an important role in maintaining good health. It is important not only for growth and development, but to maintain strong bones and teeth and build a good immune system. Specific nutritional needs change at different stages of life, For example, infants and toddlers have different nutritional needs than teenagers and adults. Children with special health care needs may also have special nutritional needs.
Don’t forget that good nutrition combined with daily exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. And, parents are the first and most important role model for children when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
The Food Guide Pyramid, now called My Pyramid, has been updated to help parents and kids understand these guidelines. The USDA's MyPyramid website offers personalized recommendations about the variety of foods a person should eat and how much. The new pyramid also is a reminder to be active every day, with its stairs representing easy ways to improve your family's health.
Current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) dietary guidelines, which provide practical advice on eating a healthy, balanced diet, recommend that kids eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day.
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One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid offers personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan/ assess your food choices based on the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Please feel free to share this interactive computer game where kids can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. “Fuel” tanks for each food group help students keep track of how their choices fit into MyPyramid.