Nutrition Channel

In 2005 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled MyPyramid, a new symbol and interactive food guidance system designed to help Americans live longer, better and healthier lives. MyPyramid, which replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992, is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle.

There is an epidemic of overweight kids - and you don't have to read the newspaper or watch the news to find that out. Just take a look at kids at the mall or in the schoolyard. You can also see a shortage of kids outside playing, biking or running. What can parents do to make sure their kids are not part of the statistics? Here are some answers from Bridget Swinney, author of "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids" (Meadowbrook Press).

Traveling by air or to a foreign country presents some unique nutritional challenges for the youth athlete trying to maintain a diet high in carbohydrates and fluids, moderate in protein and low in fat.

One of the biggest nutritional challenges parents of youth athletes face is seeing that they eat properly away from home. But whether you are traveling to an all-day soccer tournament across town, or a two-week tournament in a foreign country, your child's nutritional needs don't have to suffer. There are plenty of ways you can ensure that your child will eat the kind of high carbohydrate, moderate protein, and low fat diet which studies show are necessary for optimal performance. Here are some strategies to use in making healthy choices at fast food, family-style and ethnic restaurants, and grocery and convenience stores.