Most people don’t worry about high cholesterol until they become adults, but the truth is that cholesterol can be a problem in childhood.
- Encourage your child to eat at least five (or more!) daily servings of fruit and vegetables.
- Build meals and snacks around lean proteins, whole grains and veggies.
- Limit trans and saturated fats, found in animal and dairy products, fried foods and processed foods.
- Avoid fast food. If you do eat it, opt for healthier menu choices.
- Limit screen time (TV, tablets, smartphones and computers) to no more than two hours per day.
- Encourage your child to get at least one hour of physical activity daily. Schedule fun family outings, such as a hike, bike ride, a game of tag, a jog or two around the block.
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Adapted from the American Academy of Family Physicians
