Serve at least three servings a day of whole-grained foods.

A whole grain is any grain that still has all three parts of its grain kernel intact: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Grains are no longer whole or as wholesome when they are refined, is|ince they lose the fiber-rich bran and the nutrient-rich term
According to the Food and Drug Administration '(FDA), it is about 5% of Americans eat three servings of whole gtfains a day. The major health benefit of whole grains is their ability to protect against chronic diseases. The FDA has announced that foods made with at least 51% whole grains act as potential heart disease and cancer fighters. More specifically, eating a diet rich in whole grains can decrease your child's risk for cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and obesity. Whole grains contain high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The health benefits of whole grains pome from a combination of all of these substances and can-be replaced by the enrichment process. Here are some helpful tips for choosing whole-grained foods:
• The first ingredient listed on a label for whole-grained bread should be whole-wheat flour, not enriched wheat flour.
• Choose nutrient quality and taste over convenience. Generally speaking, foods that require more cooking time (basmati rice or whole oats oatmeal) have whole grains compared to their non-whole-grained counterfeits. The few extraminutes of preparation will be worth the wait in flavor, texture, and nutrients

Don't trust the color when choosing whole-grained food products. Brown does not always mean healthy. Bread can be darkened with additives such as molasses to give it the appearance of whole-grained bread.

Teach your children the new food pyramid guidelines and incorporate these guidelines into your dietary planning.

As complicated as the new food pyramid might seem (food pyramid site info), adhering to the guidelines is not rocket science. With a little planning and a smidgen of self-discipline, you can teach your children a systematic approach to eating healthy that will last their whole lives. The food pyramid guidelines for older children and adults are slightly different from the guidelines for young children between the ages of two and six, for whom the U.S. Department of Agriculture created modified recommendations endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatricians:
• Six daily servings from the grain and cereal group
• Three daily servings of vegetables
• Two daily servings from the fruit group
• Two daily servings of meat and two of milk and dairy
   The main difference between these recommendations for little kids and those for the rest of the family is that the quantity of the servings is different for big people and little people. For everyone, variety is key.
    Here's a helpful tip I got from a colleague. She calls it the Five-Plus Rule. She recommends that families strive to eat a minimum of five servings of fruit and vegetables, but you don't have to stop there. Up to ten servings a day is okay
   Another great new way of t mid that is gaining steam younger children about ue foods. Everyday foods ate base of the food pyramid and sheufil time foods, like ice cream, coekies,;g the very top and should be eaten for instance, or as a once-a-week understand the distinction, they'll pro! which is which and take respons