Nutrition: Teaching Healthy Habits

Have you ever struggled with getting our child to eat healthy food?  Well, then you're not alone!  Many parents struggle with snoopy eaters.  Thankfully, most children grow out of this.   Until that happens, it is up to the parents to assist their children in developing good eating habits.  

First, you must have a routine for meal and snack times.  If you allow your child to raid the refrigerator or snack cupboard all day, they are not going to eat at mealtimes and they are most likely going to make choices that are not nutritious.  Make sure you have set times for snacks and meals.  Try your best to keep these times consistent.  The occasional stray from the routine will not trash your success; it's okay if once in a while, things don't go as planned, but try to be consistent. 

Help children to see food as desirable and not something to avoid.  Kids are going to dislike Brussel sprouts and peas throughout time, but dealing with this in a cautious manner is important.  Don't find every opportunity to allow your child to reject food.  Try to offer fruits and veggies that they enjoy, rather than continually pushing that one food they hate.  Of course, you should occasionally offer them to "try" these foods, maybe cooked a different way or with some dressing.  They may come to like them...but I doubt anything will help the plight of Brussel sprouts and peas.  Allow your child to assist in choosing healthy options for mealtime.  Most times, they will eat the meals they help plan.  

Make sure that you have a good environment for eating.  It's probably not the best idea to set up in front of the television for meals.  Make sure you sit together as a family at a table, if possible.  Keep the area clean and present the food well.  Make sure your children have clean and appropriate utensils and napkins for any messes. 

Be creative with snack choices by using fruits and veggies with sweet breads, peanut butter, cheese, waffles, ice cream, pudding, dressings, etc.  Children will love all of the options of eating healthy snacks when you include some sweet treats mixed in with the healthy stuff.  Just do this in moderation; keep the healthy part of your snack ratio higher.