Ten Tips to Get Kids Eating Healthy

The following was posted last summer by Jordan and Kyla Miller, the full article can be read by following the link, Ten Tips to Get Kids Eating Healthy. I have given some of the highlights here. Interesting reading for parents and grandparents.

Do you find it difficult to get your kids to eat healthy?

Are they picky?

Do they only want boxed cereal for dinner?

Children have the highest requirement for nutrients due to their rapid rate of growth and development. It is vitally important that we provide them with healthy options to support optimal health and instil good eating habits for the future. Nutritionally complete meals are a must! It may be difficult at first, but the rewards will last a lifetime. The following are some tips and tricks to help you change your child’s perceptions towards healthy foods. Try them out and see if they work.

1. Educate

Education is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your child. Be conscious of what you are feeding your child and what their nutritional needs are.

2. Do Not Bribe

Easier said than done, right? Unfortunately, using food as a bribe can diminish the value of healthy foods, while promoting unhealthy foods as a treat for good behaviour.

3. Ensure an Active Lifestyle

Using up extra energy will have your children demanding their next meal, even if it is healthy.

4. Involve Them

 It can be as simple as asking them to identify the food you are cutting up or asking their opinion on which vegetable should go on the shish kabob next.

5. Follow the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule allows for a solid foundation of healthy eating at home with room for “treats” and experimentation when out

6. Be Consistent

It is vitality important that as a parent you are consistent and persistent in your resolve to feed your children healthy foods.

7. Be Creative

Kids love different shapes and colors. Make food fun and visually interesting. it.

8. Allow for Independence

Kids will often challenge their parents because of a natural desire for independence. Instead of fighting them on this natural desire, why not cater to it..

9. Desserts should be nutritionally complete

Eating healthy doesn’t mean that you have to deprive your child of dessert. Instead, make sure that your dessert complements the meal and is nutritionally complete.

10. Eat with abundance

Children are growing at a rapid rate. This means that their requirement for nutrients is extremely high.

Most importantly, enjoy the experience!