Healthy Food - Hints on How to Get your child to eat it!
As a mother of three, it is a constant battle to get my kids to eat healthy food. I will admit that it has been a losing battle on my side as I have relented and become lenient about what they eat. However, it is never too late to change your child’s eating patter from unhealthy to healthy food.
Some tips for getting your kids to eat healthy food are:
1.Keep healthy food in the house. Instead of stocking the pantry full of cookies, candies, and soda, keep the pantry and refrigerator full of crackers, fruit, cheese, and milk.
2.Sit down together for a family dinner every day or as much as you possibly can. With kids busy after school activities, this is gets harder and harder to do the older the get, but it is worth it. When eating together you can monitor what your children are eating and ensure that they are eating healthy food that you prepare for them. Family dinners are also essential for communication within the family unit.
3.Try not to label foods as good or bad. Instead, explain to your kids, for example, if they eat a lot of chocolate or candy it can be bad for their complexion. If they drink a lot of milk, and eat healthy food, it will build strong bones and muscles.
4.Do not use food as a reward. This could cause weight problems in the future.
5.Continue to offer healthy food items that your child will not try. Eventually, even though it may take a very long time, they will probably try it.
6.Do not make special meals for your children. Many parents, including myself, get into the habit of making the foods that your children like in addition to the regular dinner. This becomes a habit that is hard to break. Make one meal that includes healthy food for the entire family. Try your best to include at least one or two healthy food items your child likes. If your child will not eat, do not offer them anything else. Eventually, your child will be so hungry that they will eat whatever is on their plate, including the healthy food items. Do not get discouraged; I am still working on this with my kids!
7.Offer well balanced meals. Be sure each meal contains a dairy or protein item, a fruit and/or vegetable item, and a whole grain item.
Some foods and beverages you should avoid are:
1.Regular and diet soda (loaded with sugar)
2.Non-fruit juice beverages, such as Sunny Delight (look for “100% juice” on label, not “100% natural”)
3.Artificial sweeteners (children’s stomachs cannot digest properly)
4.High-sugar cereal (stay under 10 grams of sugar; also be wary of cereals that say 1/3 less sugar—they often have an artificial sweetener in it)
5.Lunchables (loaded with salt)
6.Fast foods (high in fat and sodium; a happy meal’s fat content is the same as two sticks of butter!)
Finally, be a good example for your kids. Eat healthy food yourself! If they see you making good choices, they will do the same and will change their unhealthy eating habits!