Issued every five years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a government publication that makes recommendations for healthy eating for the American public. Taken as a whole, the new Dietary Guidelines urge most Americans to eat fewer calories, be more active and make wiser food choices. Although the guidelines are geared toward Americans over 2 years of age, there are some recommendations aimed at young children. These include:

• Engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most (preferably all) days of the week.
  
  
• Consume whole grain products often; at least half of the grains eaten should be whole grains. (Read the label for the words “whole” or “whole grains” as the first ingredient.)
  
  
• Choose fiber rich fruits and vegetables often. Preschool children should eat at least 1 cup of fruit and 1 ½ cups of vegetables each day. (The amount of fruit and vegetables to eat is based upon a person’s caloric intake.)
  
  
• The intake of milk products is especially important for bone health during childhood and adolescence. Children under age 2 still need to drink whole milk. Children ages 2-8 should consume 2 cups per day of fat free or low fat milk or the equivalent.
  
  
• Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars or caloric sweeteners. Reduce the incidence of dental caries by practicing good oral hygiene, and by consuming food and beverages that contain sugar and starch less frequently. Serve water instead of juice at snack time.
  
  
• A fat intake of 30-35% of total calories is recommended for children 2-3 years of age and 25-35% for older children and adolescents, with most fats coming from polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acids such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils. (Choose meat, poultry and milk products that are lean, low fat or fat free.) Remember that dry beans are an excellent protein source and low in fat. The entire Dietary Guidelines for Americans document is at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines