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Parenting

Tips for Getting Your Kids to Eat Healthier Foods

Posted on: 04-14-2008 by chloehalston --
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Every parent knows that families should eat a well-balanced diet with healthy foods, but getting your child to do this is often a struggle. Parents often find themselves scolding, arguing, bargaining or giving in to their child when it comes to food choices. All modern families are busy, but maintaining nutrition and a healthy diet are important to your kid’s growth. Below are some helpful tips for helping your children to eat healthier:

 

•         Offer more healthy choices at home: Keep fresh fruits and veggies around, and get temptations like sodas, chips and cookies out of the house. Keep bottled water around so it’s more convenient for kids to drink.

•         Build on your child’s strengths: Many kids like some fruits and vegetables, so encourage eating those- they’re better than no fruits and veggies at all! Integrate them into your cooking as well as having them fresh for snacks.

•         Offer treats in moderation: Limit fast food consumption to only once a week, keep sweets and “junk foods” out of the house, and limit drinking sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices.

•         Use healthy alternatives: When cooking, use olive oil instead of lard or butter, black beans instead of refried beans, and bake foods that are usually fried. Also try to use salads and vegetables as side dishes rather than biscuits.

•         Plan scheduled meals and snacks: This discourages mindless eating and teaches kids to pay attention to feelings of hunger and fullness.

•         Where you eat is important: Eat meals at the family table a minimum of 4 times a week, and try to focus on family time rather than on food. Ban eating in front of the TV or computer, and don’t make kids follow the “clean your plate” rule (but do make sure they eat their veggies!)

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