01/14/2026
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are designed with busy families in mind. No extremes and no perfection required.
Here’s what moms should know 👇
🥕 Focus on real, whole foods
Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy (or alternatives), and healthy fats. These foods help kids grow, learn, and stay energized.
🛒 Limit ultra-processed foods
Sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food don’t need to disappear. They just need to show up less often. Progress > perfection.
🍭 Go easy on added sugar
Sugar hides in drinks, desserts, and even some yogurts and cereals. Cutting back helps kids develop healthier taste preferences over time.
🥑 Choose healthy fats
Fats from foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and dairy support brain development and energy.
💛 What this means for YOU
✔️ No perfect pantry
✔️ No calorie counting
✔️ No banning favorite foods
Just small, everyday choices:
• cook more at home when you can
• serve more real food
• limit sugar & packaged snacks
🌱 The takeaway:
Healthy kids grow from healthy habits. Small shifts today can shape lifelong health.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Louisiana Fit Kids