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.
Zero sugar-sweetened drinks
Avoid sodas, sports drinks, and sweetened teas. Choose water or other non-sugary beverages instead.
5-2-1-0 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.
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2026
Challenge: 5 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables each day:
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?)
Show us on our 5-2-1-0 Laurel County Facebook Group
Track Your Fruit Vegetables
Check back for information about our January - June 2027 Challenges
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026
Challenge: Limit Screentime to less than 2 hours.
High levels of screen time can affect your mental health and is linked to increased risks of experiencing anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Aim to reduce recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours a day.
Report Your Progress - Electronic Reporting Link
Join our 5-2-1-0 Laurel County Facebook Group and connect with others.
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…..”
Want to stay updated on the 5-2-1-0 Challenges?
