Whole-grains are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that keep your body healthy. Consuming whole-grains as part of a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.

It is recommended that you “make half your grains whole grains”.

Consuming dairy products provides health benefits and foods in the dairy group provide nutrients that are vital for your body’s health. Nutrients in dairy products include: calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.

Dairy products can have large amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, two types of fat that contribute to health problems such as heart disease and obesity. Because of this, it is important to make choices from the dairy group that include low-fat and fat-free products.

Some examples of low-fat dairy products include:

Low-fat (1%) milk or fat-free (Skim) milk

Low-fat or fat-free yogurt

Low-fat or fat-free cheeses

You may also choose soymilk that has been fortified with calcium if you are unable to tolerate milk products.

Parents can be a positive influence on their children by purchasing and consuming low-fat dairy products. It’s important to teach children healthy nutrition habits when they are young so they continue those habits into adulthood.

5-2-1-0 is Kentucky’s prescription for significantly reducing childhood obesity.

Five: Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Two: Limit screen time to no more than two hours a day.

One: Be physically active at least one hour per day.

Zero: Don’t drink sweetened beverages.Parents/caregivers are the most influential factor on their child’s nutrition and activity. Be a positive role model and let your children see you being active and making healthy food choices.

Let kids help you in the kitchen. When they help create meals, they are more likely to take pride in, and want to eat the foods they have a role in preparing.

Eating together as a family is one of the most important activities a family can do. Children have an opportunity to talk about things that are important to them as well as learn about foods and manners.

Research shows a decrease in high-risk behaviors is related to the amount of time spent with family – especially during family dinners.

Research has demonstrated that a child may have to try a new and healthy food up to 15 times before liking it. Try preparing the new food in different ways. It also might help to serve the new food alongside a familiar food that your child enjoys. The more often you try these new foods, the more routine they will seem