The CHILD 1 diet: from strategy to practicality.

As described by the Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents report, the Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet (CHILD 1) is the first-step diet for all children with elevated cardiovascular risk. Although the diet is specifically designed for cardiovascular disease risk reduction, it can also be used for the promotion of healthy dietary habits for children (older than the age of 2 years) and adolescents while still continuing to provide adequate nutrition for optimal growth and development. The diet provides guidance on caloric distribution, offers appropriate beverage and snack choices, and highlights the importance of adequate fruit and vegetable intake. Although the guidelines presented in the CHILD 1 diet provide a framework on which a healthy diet can be built, it can be challenging for some patients and families to put the recommendations into practice. This article focuses on explaining the key nutrition messages within the CHILD 1 diet and includes practical suggestions for meal planning.