I recently came across this article on WebMD when searching for ideas on healthy eating in children. Since I began dieting 3 years ago, I’ve made it a point to try and instill healthy eating habits and positive feelings for food in my children. This article touches on lots of the things I try to focus on everyday.
I truly believe that fostering healthy eating habits at a young age will help children make the right choices when it comes to their food and diet later in life.
Some of the ways I’ve done this are:
- Only buying whole wheat/whole grain bread. My kids don’t get white bread at home and my 5 year old thinks it’s weird and wrong 🙂
- Buying no-sugar added jellies, condiments, snacks, basically everything!
- I completely avoid anything with high fructose corn syrup.
- I try to buy organic when it’s available, or all-natural if it’s not.
- I make sure that at least one veggie is served with each meal. Thankfully my children have always been good veggie eaters, but it’s due in part to the fact that I have zero-tolerance for non-veggie eaters. They have to at least try it if it’s new, and eat it if it’s something I know they like. I will say that I try not to be forceful about it, because as well all know, that can just backfire on you. I also try to make new veggies exciting and kid friendly.
- Milk or water are our beverage choices. Occasionally when we’re out to eat, I’ll let my son have a root beer! I’ve never been a juice buyer, so my kids really don’t know what they’re missing.
- We eat all of our meals at the kitchen table. Together. This is something we didn’t do when I was growing up, so we not only do it because it promotes better eating habits, but because I like the idea of family meal time.
- I don’t allow my kids to snack all day long. There are certain times and certain options for snacks. We usually have fruit, baby carrots, low-fat string cheese, or sometimes microwave popcorn. Snacks are also eaten at the kitchen table (or outside if it’s nice!).
- And finally, I talk with my son about healthy eating. We discuss how healthy eating and exercise can lead to a long life. Right now he’s at the age where he’s a little obsessed with death and dying, so I make sure to remind him that he does have some control over how long he’ll live and how healthy he’ll be. We also talk about how certain foods are just better for you, like veggies, and lean meats.
So that’s it in a nutshell. Please make sure to check out this article on WebMD. And this one also has some good ideas for incorporating veggies in a fun way as well.
Tags: Christy, Eating, family, good habits, health, healthy eating for kids, kids, next generation, teaching kids good eating habits
Category: The Sisterhood