The body requires some 40 nutrients to maintain health. Children eat well by starting out the day with a good breakfast followed by lunch, a healthy snack and dinner. Girls, in particular, tend to fall short on sufficient intakes of the nutrients calcium and iron. Girls should be encouraged to drink milk and eat yogurt, cheese, lean meat and enriched grains to supplement these nutrients. Calcium is essential for bone growth and iron keeps the red blood cells healthy to avoid anemia.
Many food choices are okay as long as the choices are balanced.
An occasional candy bar or soda pop is all right as long as it does not take the place of healthier foods. Children do not necessarily have to participate in organized sports to be active and have a healthy well-being. Rather, physical activity like dancing, playing outdoors and biking provides the daily exercise children need. Activities enjoyed by the entire family, like going on walks or bike riding, are encouraged.