As parents, part of our job is to provide our children with nutritious foods that will help them grow up strong and fit. Learning to enjoy a variety of fresh foods including lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy is essential for children to maintain a balanced diet. Getting our kids to eat wholesome foods rather than over indulging on packaged and junk foods can be difficult. Parents must begin teaching children about healthy eating when the kids are very young.
Step 1
Introduce your child to the different food groups. Give him information about grains, proteins, vegetables, dairy, fruits and fats along with examples. Give him a picture of the food pyramid and talk about the different foods represented by the colors.
Step 2
Shop together with your child. Show your child how you select healthy foods for your family to eat. Let him offer suggestions and pick out items that will fit into your weekly menu.
Step 3
Allow your child to help prepare meals. Kids love to learn to cook, and this is an opportunity to teach the child to measure, mix ingredients and set the table. If your child is involved in the whole process, he is more likely to eat the healthy meal the two of you have fixed.
Step 4
Let your child pick out new vegetable or fruit to try out each week. This gives him a chance to illustrate his ability to choose a healthy item.
Step 5
Make flash cards of foods that are labeled "healthy" and "not healthy." Create a game in which you and your child evaluate the nutrition of different foods. Teach your kid to read food labels to make the experience more meaningful and challenging.
Step 6
Eat together as a family, and make it a fun time. Put a little of everything on your child's plate, but do not fuss if he does not eat everything. Encourage him to take at least one bite.
Step 7
Allow the child to invite a friend over for a meal to encourage him to eat the healthy foods. The children will enjoy the experience, and some of the education you have given your child on healthy eating will be passed along.
Step 8
Teach your child by your example. Consume healthy foods and talk about food in a positive manner. Don't complain about needing to diet, as this can cause your child to develop negative attitudes about food.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat a healthy afternoon snack with your child each day. Make it fun by being creative. For instance, you can use cookie cutters on sandwiches or use vegetable pieces to make a design on a piece of flat bread with cream cheese spread.
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