The Basics
Tips for Kids
Know about food. Food is the fuel your body uses to move, grow, and repair itself. A healthy diet includes different types of food to help your body do different things.
Carbohydrates ("carbs"), such as grains and starchy vegetables, are burned for energy. Protein in food like eggs, meat, beans, and nuts helps your body grow and repair cells. Vitamins and minerals also help your body stay healthy. For example, calcium and vitamin D help to build strong bones. Vitamin E protects skin cells.
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.
Fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat yogurt, or cheese are great for snacks.
Eat some grains (bread, cereal, rice, and pasta — whole grain is best of all!), but these should not be the biggest part of your meal.
Try not to have too many fried foods, sweets, or soda. It's okay to have these foods once in a while, but not every day.
Eating well and exercising go together! Do both in order to get and stay healthy.
