Nutrition is the study of what we eat and how our body uses it. Nutrients are substances that make-up food and are necessary for the body to work properly. The nutrition guidelines stress the importance of eating a variety of foods from the five main food groups, increasing intake of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables. Limiting intake of fat, added sugars, salt and empty calorie foods and increasing physical activity. The food guide pyramid includes stairs. The stairs represent the importance of exercise and active play on a daily basis. The steps also indicate that you can make changes little by little (step by step) to be healthier. Small changes lead to big changes with a big impact on your kids overall health.

Nutrition plays a significant role in kids. A kid's growth both mentally and physically, whether that be in a positive or negative way, is influenced by what and how much your child eats. Kids require sufficient amount of calories, protein, fat and other nutrients for optimal growth and development. Children need good nutrition because their bodies are growing and developing. Yet many children simply cannot resist the appeal of junk food, like calorie-heavy candy bars and sugar-filled soft drinks. Their diets tend to be high in sugar and starch, depleting their bodies of essential nutrients required for optimal growth and energy. Starting your children out right with healthy foods that appeal to them develops good eating habits that carry into adulthood.

Obesity rates in children have doubled in the last two decades, prompting concern about the rates of diet- and inactivity-related diseases that will occur as obese children age. Obesity can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, impair glucose tolerance and increase blood pressure. Social isolation and poor peer interaction often seen with overweight children can lead to the development of psychological disorders such as depression as well as eating disorders including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Overweight children are at a much higher risk for future medical problems as well as social isolation now and in the future. Now is the time to make a change for the betterment of your children.

Promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors which will help your children achieve and maintain an appropriate body weight. A well balanced diet, regular aerobic exercise and cognitive self-management techniques are all essential components for lasting results.