The 5-2-1-0 approach is a simple, easy-to-remember framework for promoting healthy habits in daily life, especially for children, but also for adults. It was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and supported by health organizations like the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This approach reduces risks for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and poor sleep. 5-2-1-0 encourages healthy living in a fun and manageable way. While it helps to build lifelong healthy habits from an early age, it is never too late to start, remember 5-2-1-0 “Healthy Choices Count”.
Five servings of fruits and vegetables per day
Aim for a variety of colors to get a wide range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Two hours or less of recreational screen time per day
Limits include TV, video games, tablets, and phones. This helps reduce sedentary behavior, supports better sleep, and frees up time for play and activity.
One hour of physical activity per day
This can be broken into shorter sessions. Activities can be walking, biking, playing sports, dancing, or other enjoyable movement.
Avoid sodas, sports drinks, and sweetened teas. Choose water or other non-sugary beverages instead.
Zero sugar-sweetened drinks
LCHD’s Challenges
Even the smallest healthy changes to your lifestyle can lead to BIG results, that’s why LCHD is rolling out 5-2-1-0 challenges starting in July 2026.
5 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables each day: “…Description of Challenge……”
We want to see HOW you’re getting those fruits and veggies each day (are you making a delicious smoothie with fruits and veggies? Adding some fresh fruit to your breakfast? Maybe you’re adding veggies to a favorite recipe?)
We want to see WHERE you like to get your fruits and veggies (Are you a regular at the farmers market? Do you grow a garden?)
We want to see WHAT you enjoy (what is your go-to fruit or veggie? Do you have a new favorite? Is there something new you want to try?)
No More than 2 Hours of Screentime: “…Description of Challenge…..”
When you turn off the tv and put down your phone WHAT are you doing instead?
Picking up a new book at the library?
Trying out a new crafting hobby?
Grabbing that old guitar in your closet you keep saying you want to start playing again?)
At Least 1 Hour of Physical Activity: “…Description of Challenge…..”
Zero Sugar-Sweetened Drinks:“…Description of Challenge…..”
Things we could add to page
Video (find one already made or maybe make our own)
Recommendations for making a Family Media (Screen Time) Plan
Recipes