Fast food restaurants with toys in the meals, convenience foods at the supermarket and busy lifestyles make healthy eating a challenge for many families. Kids who are picky eaters further complicate the nutritional balance at the dinner table. While you may face challenges, feeding your child a well-balanced diet offers many benefits and may be easier than you realize.
Significance
Lifelong eating habits develop at an early age, making nutrition an important concern from the beginning. A child who receives proper nutrition may continue making positive food choices as he grows. A balanced diet provides the nutrients your child needs to develop properly while avoiding obesity. A healthy diet also reduces the risk of certain diseases, such as diabetes. Children who eat a well-balanced diet get the energy they need from the food, allowing them to play and focus during the day.
Components
Offering your child healthy foods from all of the food groups creates balanced nutrition. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin recommends four milk product servings, two to three protein servings, four or more grain servings and four or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily for kids aged three to six. Choose whole grains and lean proteins when possible for the best overall health value.
Environment
A positive environment toward healthy eating encourages your child to take the same approach. Family meal time gives everyone a chance to communicate. Your child may also eat more healthy foods, specifically grains, vegetables and fruit. Your child may also be less likely to choose unhealthy snacks. The family meal gives you a chance to model healthy eating habits.
Child Involvement
Getting the child involved in the meal planning and preparation gives her hands-on experience with proper nutrition. She learns what goes into a healthy meal during the planning phase. Your child also learns how to prepare healthy foods when you allow her to help with the cooking. Picky eaters may be more likely to try a new food if they helped create it.
Considerations
A house full of healthy, nutritious foods makes it easier for your child to develop proper nutrition habits. Provide your child with lots of healthy snack and meal options. Kids Health recommends giving your child some choice from a selection of healthy options. This empowers him while limiting his options to nutritious foods. Avoid power struggles over eating healthy foods, which may cause your child to resist even more.
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