Healthy swaps are easier than you think.
Healthy food and
drink choices are
critical for children
in their early years.
What children eat between ages 1
to 5 matters! Nutritious foods
provide the nutrients young children
need to reach developmental
milestones.
Build healthy eating habits at a
young age and you’re shaping
behavior for years to come.
Healthy eating
doesn’t need to be
hard.
Small, healthy food swaps can
make a big difference. Swap sugary
drinks for flavored water, milk or
other healthy options. Add fruits
and vegetables to their plate.
Choose fresh foods and limit highly
processed fast foods.
If you don’t recognize the
ingredients, think twice!
Active play should be
encouraged daily.
Kids love to move and encouraging
active play will help prevent chronic
health issues like diabetes and heart
disease later in life.
It’s easy to find fun games that gets
them moving and above all, limit
that screen time.
Good nutrition in the earliest years supports brain development, emotions and physical growth.
First 5 San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has you covered with resources and programs that support early nutrition. Healthy food choices don’t have to be complicated or expensive!
- In-season fruit and veggies can be a routine part of every meal.
- Involve children in preparing meals. It encourages healthy eating habits, exposes them to a variety of foods and provides an opportunity for family quality time.
- Fruit juices are sugary. Serve juice in limited amounts or mix with water. Or simply try adding slices of your favorite fruit to water.
- When it comes to movement, playtime isn’t just about “burning energy.” It also helps children build strong minds and bodies. Bonus tip: encourage imaginative play to help boost your child’s brain function, too!
- If you’re eligible for WIC, you can use your benefits at farmer’s markets and the WIC app makes it easy for you and your child to use the MyPlate tools to create healthy, balanced meals.
Good nutrition in the
earliest years supports
brain development,
emotions and physical growth,
while introducing
movement early can help
prevent chronic health
issues later in life.
Resources
Smithsonian Science Education Center – Pick Your Plate! A Global Guide to Nutrition game.
San Bernardino County – List of San Bernardino County’s Certified Farmers Markets.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – MyPlate for visual dietary guidance.
CalFresh – At Home Healthy Swaps flip cards.
CalFresh – Kids Food Critic Activity.
CalFresh – Wonderful Water Tips & Resources.
CalFresh – Rethink Your Drink tips and sugar calculator.
CalFresh Healthy Living – Eat Healthy tools.
Apply for CalFresh at this link.
Learn more about the WIC program and if you qualify at this link.