•  Saturated fatty acids less than 10 percent of total calories
•  Total fat intake should be adequate to meet the child's caloric needs.
•  Dietary cholesterol less than 300 milligrams per day

Each of these numbers refers to an average of nutrient intake over several days.

Adequate nutrition should be achieved by eating a wide variety of foods.

Energy (calories) should be adequate to support growth and development and to reach or maintain a healthy body weight.

The AHA recommends this eating pattern for families:

•  Select, prepare and eat foods low in saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, total fat and cholesterol.
•  Choose a variety of foods to be sure you get enough carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals.
•  Eat only enough calories to maintain a healthy weight for your height and build.

This eating pattern supports a child's normal growth and development. It provides enough total energy and meets or exceeds the recommended daily allowances for all nutrients for children and adolescents, including iron and calcium.