How To Have a Healthy Child

According to an article from kidshealth.org, there's a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit.


Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.

Some steps only parents can take — such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.

Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.

Eat a Variety of Foods, Especially Fruits and Vegetables

You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you're more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven't tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — two fruits and three vegetables.
Here's one combination that might work for you:

•at breakfast: ½ cup (about 4 large) strawberries on your cereal
•with lunch: 6 baby carrots
•for a snack: an apple
•with dinner: ½ cup broccoli (about 2 big spears) and 1 cup of salad

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Date reviewed: February 2009

To read the entire article go to kidsealth.org. It will be worth your time.