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Kids and healthy food
By admin | October 27, 2007
As a parent, you know what’s the best for your child. You know what’s the best time for your kid to go to bed, explain them how to do personal hygiene, help them with their mental health, show them what nutrition is going to help them with their growth… But, do you really know what food is healthy and good for your child?
Fruit, vegetables, fibers and lots of fresh water, including physical exercise, will keep them healthy and strong. But now you get the question; How to help your child love healthy things?
Modern age brings us lot of improvements, technologies that help us simplify our life. But, modern age also brings us something else – less time with our children, tons of unhealthy food choices and less physical activity. Whether your job keeps you away from kitchen, you can do something to improve your child’s health. Teaching children at young age which food groups are good and which are not, will bring your little ones closer to longer, happier and healthier life. And you, as their primary protector, will make sure that you did a good job.
There are few healthy habits that will help you reach your goal.
1. Be a role model by eating healthy yourself. What’s the point in making your child eat vegetables for dinner if you eat creme pie? Your child will look up to you, and repeat what you’re doing. You need to make sure to eat healthy and exercise at least 3 times per week. This way, you are being a good role model – you’re doing great things for your body and helping your child understand better importance of healthy nutrition.
2. Have regular family meals. It’s understandable if you have busy schedule and don’t have time for 3 meals with your family every day, but what you can do is making weekends count. Make Saturdays and Sundays your family time, where you will put effort into having healthy meals with your family. You can also suggest your child to invite a friend over for dinner.
3. Always serve variety of healthy foods and snacks. Your nutrition needs to contain fruit, vegetables, fiber and proteins. Having a variety of food every day is important. That will help you give your family healthier nutrition, and also will make meals more fun your little ones. Let them look forward to every meal – try to make it as a surprise.
4. Don’t fight over food. Sometimes, children will not want to eat their meal. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Just try to talk to your little one, and help them understand the importance of your food choice. If they still reject it, try to find an alternative.
5. Limit sugary drinks by serving mostly water and milk.
Topics: Child Psychology, Nutrition, Parenting | No Comments »
