It can be challenging to convince your child to eat a variety of nutritious foods and pass on less than healthy options. It is important to teach your child about foods that offer nutrition and the foods that should be eaten only as occasional treats. KidsHealth reports that there are several things you can do to encourage healthy eating habits. Employ one or all of these and you may notice a change in what your child chooses to eat.
Eat Family Meals
Eating meals as a family not only provides a way to spend valuable time together, but it also gives you an opportunity to teach your child healthy eating habits. Healthy Children notes that you can be a positive role model for your child by eating nutritious foods and serving these same foods to your child at mealtimes. KidsHealth adds that children who eat family meals are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and are less likely to eat junk food. Serve yourself the same foods you wish your child to eat and he may follow suit.
Make Foods Visible
If you provide a variety of healthy foods and keep junk food out of sight, your child is likely to choose something nutritious when she gets hungry. KidsHealth recommends keeping easy to eat fruits and vegetables within your child's reach on the counter or in the refrigerator so she can easily grab them for snacks. Carrot sticks, apples and grapes are popular kid-friendly options. Put fruits and vegetables out as appetizers while making dinner and your hungry child may consume one or two servings while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Create an Eating Routine
If your child is used to eating at certain times and used to seeing certain foods, he is more likely to fill up on nutritious options. KidsHealth recommends establishing regular eating times so your child's body is naturally hungry at those times. This will encourage him to eat more because is hungry and not full of unhealthy snacks. Serve at least one fruit and one vegetable with each meal, which will ensure that your child is getting plenty of these important foods. Encourage your child to take one bite of each food on his plate and he may discover additional healthy foods that he enjoys.
Include Your Child
Make healthy eating enjoyable by taking your child shopping and allowing her to select some healthy foods she wants to eat in the coming days. This is also a good time to talk about what makes a food healthy. If your child is old enough, show her how to read ingredient labels and look at nutrition information. At home, include your child in the meal preparation process so she becomes invested and interested in eating healthy foods. KidsHealth adds that having your child help you pack her school lunch is another way to teach the difference between healthy foods and junk foods.
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