PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Caitlin R. Bauer, a registered dietitian at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said it is never too early to protect our hearts.

Bauer, also the clinical leader of the hospital’s department of clinical nutrition and lactation, said high cholesterol is a sign of trouble.

“From the time they are born, their bodies are developing and growing, and we know that good nutrition is the backbone to that,” Bauer said.

Bauer recommends focusing on having children eat clean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But, she says, don’t be pushy.

“The more that we try and push certain foods, the more they are going to stray,” Bauer said.

Some of her recommendations include adding healthy foods to a plate with their favorites — even if the child doesn’t eat it.

“It’s really baby steps,” Bauer said. “And, I know that can feel really frustrating, but if we continue to lay that foundation over time it’s going to create a more open path for them to try new things.”

Here are more tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Model healthy nutritional behaviors
• Praise children for making healthy choices
• Avoid coercive and controlling practices
• Limiting sugar-sweetened beverage
• Avoid using food as a reward
• Limit sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat
• Choose nutrient-dense foods
• Have family meals as often as possible
• Limit eating out or take-out foods

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla.