The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005, gives science-based advice on food and physical activity choices for health.

What is a "Healthy Diet"?
The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that:

    •         Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products,

    •         Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts, and

•          Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.  The number of servings you need depends on your age, sex, and level of physical activity.
Find out more about the guidelines by visiting the USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion website at www.cnpp.usda.gov.

Vegetable tips for children:
    •         Set a good example for children by eating vegetables with meals and as snacks.
    •         Let children decide on the dinner vegetables or what goes into salads.
    •         Depending on their age, children can help shop for, clean, peel, or cut  vegetables.
    •         Allow children to pick a new vegetable to try while shopping.
    •         Use cut-vegetables as part of afternoon snacks.
• Children often prefer foods served separately. So, rather than mixed vegetables, try serving two vegetables separately.

Taken from the USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.