Children should develop healthy eating habits now so that they will grow to become healthy adults later on. With the right nutrition, children will be physically more active, mentally sharp, have happier dispositions, and have higher likelihood of becoming healthy and confident adults in the future. Read on if youre the parent of a finicky eater, or you just want your children to teach your child how to eat healthy.
Set an example
Kids develop habits by imitating the people around them, so you should set a good example to them. It will be pointless to encourage your child to prefer eating fruit and veggies when they see you gorging yourself with potato chips and carbonated drinks.
Cook more at home, dine out less
Preparing meals at home instead of buying ready-to-eat or fast food offerings is a healthier choice since you know exactly what your family, especially your kids are getting. At the same time, it is a great activity to do with your kids. In addition, this can be a good opportunity to bond with your children. Getting your kids involved in food preparation is a good opportunity to teach them about proper nutrition. In addition, experts agree that kids who are allowed to help in the kitchen are more inclined to try new dishes than those who do not.
Familiarize yourself with the latest food pyramid for kids
Actually, the USDA has adopted a different symbolic representation for proper childhood nutrition. Instead of the old food pyramid for kids, we now have a plate. The new symbol and old food pyramid for kids assert the same messages, and these are to eat a variety of foods, and to eat less of some foods and more of others. The food pyramid had six vertical stripes to represent the five food groups plus oils. The food plate is partitioned into vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein, and a dairy circle on the side. Similar to the older food pyramid for kids, the food plate asserts that children should be given more carbs than proteins. Whole-grain products such as whole-wheat bread and home-made oatmeal bars are recommended because they have more fiber. Good protein sources include poultry, beef, nuts, lentils, and veggie burgers. The plate was created through the initiative of the First Lady Michelle Obama because she believed that the food pyramid wasn’t as easy for parents and their kids to adhere to.
Teach your kids proper nutrition in a fun way
Coercing your kids to practice healthy eating won’t bring in the desired behavior. You need to be innovative to think up ways on how to motivate your children to choose more healthful food items. For instance, you can cut vegetables and fruits into unusual shapes or create food collages. Incorporate veggies and fruits to baked products, or make shakes with them. When going to the grocery, bring your children with you from time to time, so they can choose fruits and vegetables they would like to eat.