Good nutrition is essential for children's physical and intellectual development. Proper nourishment is critical once the body starts to grow rapidly. Many kids are deficient in their intake of necessary vitamins or minerals.

Today's youth comsume more calories, but are less likely to eat a balanced diet than their parents or grandparents. Youth lack iron, calcium, zinc, and other minerals during  their adolescence years and if not pruned to eat a healthy meal it will most likely get worse. The recommended daliy dose of iron is 15 milligrams, but less than half of all U.S. teenagers consume that much. Iron can be found in eggs, green vegetables, and meat.

Nutritional deficiencies result from the food choices that our young people are allowed.  If you look around and noticed that fast-food establishments cluster around high schools. There are vending machines in almost every school; full of unhealthy snacks such as, chips, candy bars, and other high calorie items. How can we enstill healthy eating if they are surrounded by enticing food that is hard to resisit. We must encourage our youth to make better choices and enstill the quality of living a long healthy life.

16% of U.S. children are obese and 11% are extremely obese(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Well-balanced, healthy meals provide a variety of essential nutrients. Good nutrition helps you maintain a healthy weight and overall wellness.

A recommended combination for children:

2/3 Cup of Vegetables

2/3 Cup of Fruits

2/3 Cup of Whole Grain Or Beans

1/3(or less) Of Lean Meat

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easy when you incorporate fun activites, games, and engaging exercises that the child would want to do. Engage your youth. Keep it fun and always keep it new. Children like to be challenged and their minds are always moving.

Have you engaged in your child today? What activites have you set aside out of your busy schedule for you and your child to do?