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Update on Nutrition and Physical Activity
Recommendations for Children/Adolescents
- Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. (USDHHS 2005)
- Eat a diet low in saturated fat (10% of total daily energy intake) and moderate in total fat (20-30%). (USDHHS 2005)
- Eat at least 3 servings of whole grains daily. (USDHHS 2005)
- Limit intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods high in added sugar. (USDHHS 2005)
- Daily Nutrient Recommendation
- 45-65% carbohydrates*
- 20-35% fat* (choose unsaturated fats)
- 10-35% protein*
(Institute of Medicine, 2005)
- Key Guidelines for Children and Adolescents
- Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily.
- Aerobic: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week.
- Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week.
- Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week.
- It is important to encourage young people to participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are enjoyable, and that offer variety.
*New recommendations by U.S Department of Health and Human Services 2008
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