Simple Tips for Getting Your Kids to Eat Healthy
A healthy diet is important to all of us. Starting your kids off eating healthy can last a lifetime. And perhaps lead to other good decisions in life. Here are some hints from my experience in getting kids to eat healthy.
The first thing to realize is kids learn by example. You are the parent(s) they are learning from. They learn what to eat by watching what foods you regularly eat. If you are eating healthy foods, they will choose healthy foods. They won't miss the "junk" food if they have never had it. Some of it they probably won't like if they do finally try it.
Make sure you offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Take them with you to the store and let them choose some produce. Sometimes they will pick something just for it's color. If you have space for it, plant a garden-even if it's just in containers. Kids love to try the foods they helped grow. Fruits and vegetables make great snacks. On a hot summer day, frozen fruit makes for a yummy treat. Some kids will even enjoy frozen vegetables, like green beans. Frozen peas are good to snack on, too. But only for older kids-young ones could choke on small peas.
When it comes to meat, go for the lean cuts and trim off excess fat before cooking. Skin poultry before cooking. Make sure you get fish in your diet, also. Get your kids involved. They will have fun experimenting with herbs and seasonings-you will too.
For dairy products, try the low fat varieties. From milk to yogurt to cheese. Kids can usually make the switch easier than adults can tastewise.
In the bread and grains department, try skipping the white bread. Experiment and try a different whole grain bread each week. Your family will probably find a new favorite. And don't forget to try some whole grain pastas. (If you grow your own tomatoes,you might want to try cooking up your own sauce.)
Last but not least, beverages. Lots of plain old water. It is good for your kids and for you. Our bodies need it to stay hydrated. Even seltzer water wil do. Just make sure there no sweeteners and preservatives. Juice is good too. Just don't over do it. Juice contains natural sugars but you don't need to load your kids up on them.
Well, there are my hints for getting your kids to eat healthy. Remember, your kids learn eating habits from you. Hopefully healthy ones. Eating healthy isn't a task, it's a way of life. Try new foods and have fun experimenting with them.
