5 Tips for Getting Kids to Eat salutary Foods

Parents can help their kids to eat better, and make it fun! Here are some tips to increase your child's interest in salutary foods.

1. Bring your kids grocery shopping

The Food Pyramid

While in the furnish section, let your kids pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try. Kids are more curious in trying new foods when they get to pick them out.

2. Prepare meals together

Let your child be part of the preparation. Either they mix something in a bowl or pour a sauce they will be happier to eat and try new foods when they played a part.

3. Incorporate "fun foods"

Kids are drawn to foods that have separate shapes, and moving colors. There are many fruits that can fall into this type such as kiwi or star fruit. You can also be creative! Instead of handing your child a whole orange, break it up into pieces and make a smiley face on the plate. You would be amazed what straightforward creativity can do!

4. Make desserts healthy

You can still have sweetmeat and make it salutary too. Instead of depending on store bought cookies and candy (which supply minimal nutrients), try dipping fresh strawberries in chocolate sauce, a fruit smoothie, or a berry cobbler. These choices may have some sugar but are also adding nutrients at the same time. Remember- everything is salutary in moderation.

5. When your child wants candy

Candy is a once in a while treat. Try using one ounce of trail mix with a few m&m's instead of a whole candy bar.

Be a role model for your children. If you enjoy bodily activity and eat salutary your children will likely do the same. Encouraging bodily activity and salutary food choices while childhood will help build these habits for a lifetime.

© Meri Raffetto, 2005

5 Tips for Getting Kids to Eat salutary Foods