Understanding the importance of your child's nutritional needs is a priority. Dr. Kenneth Jae Yoon Kim cares about children's health.

Here are a few FAQs

What should your child's dinner include?

Your child's food plate must consist of the five food groups: dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. Half your child's grains should have whole grains, since it's good for the heart, digestion, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Your child's protein should vary, so, at least once a week, include beans and peas at dinner. Another way to think about it is to eat your colors. Offer your children dark-green, red, or orange vegetables at dinner, and make sure they drink milk. Offer low-fat milk at meals so children have strong bones.

What are some examples of healthy food?

Your Fairfax, VA, doctor wants you to make sure your child gets the necessary amount of nutrients. Here are some tips:

• Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. Choose frozen fruits and vegetables that do not have added fat, salt, or sugars, and buy canned fruits stored in juice or water.
• Start their day with 100% whole-grain. So serve them whole-grain versions of cereal, bread, or pancakes at breakfast because the fiber will satiate your child for a longer period of time.
• Children should get the calcium, protein, and vitamin D found in milk for strong bones, teeth, and muscles, but make sure you give them fat-free milk. If your child is lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk. Sometimes calcium-fortified soy beverages may work as well.
• Drinking plenty of water is extremely important.

How important is exercise?

Incorporating exercise and activities into your child's daily schedule will help improve their physical fitness. Childhood obesity is dangerous, but here are a few ways to ensure a healthy lifestyle:

• The family can go out for a walk after dinner.
• Play with your child: bike riding, basketball, baseball, jump rope, tag...etc.
• Exercise can be fulfill chores like raking leaves and shoveling snow.

For more information, just call your child's doctor in Fairfax, VA.