10/24/2018
10 Ways to Get Kids to Eat HealthierIn conversations with parents over the years, it has been very common to hear about the eating challenges that they have with their children. From having picky eaters or different dietary needs to not eating fruits and vegetables. In my experience, I have found that the more I would get my son involved in the kitchen and make it fun for him, the more he would eat the healthy food we would prepare. More Broccoli, Please! Three simple words my son said when he was two years old when he asked for a second helping of broccoli “trees”. I realized that if you make food fun for kids, and teach them about why to eat healthier, then maybe they will be more likely to eat healthy and make good choices. This began the start of my blog, “More Broccoli, Please”, where I would share my experiences with my son and how I have taught him over the years about healthy eating habits and getting him involved in the kitchen (and in the garden too)! I educated my son about good vs. bad foods, making him understand the importance of a healthy balanced diet with real whole food. I guess you could say my son went through a picky eater stage. One day he would like something the next day he wouldn’t. I never liked to put this “picky eater” label on him although it was still frustrating at times. However, I knew it would take time as we were experimenting with new foods, and we had to find what he liked and focus on that. I tried “sneaking” vegetables into his food, but I preferred to let him know what he was eating. My son went through a stage where he wouldn’t eat anything that I put in front of him. When he was about 5 years old and pushed away another healthy dinner, I had him make a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that he would eat. We then made an agreement that I would only serve him those 12 fruits and vegetables, but he would have to try at least one new one each week. He agreed, and this system worked! My son is now 10 years old, and I can honestly say he is a good eater! He knows good choices from the not so good choices. He knows how to read food labels and recognizes the key ingredients to look out for such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and color dyes. Although he still loves some of the typical “kid” food like pizza and fries from time to time, I know he is aware of the good things that he should be eating and why he should choose them. We also try to make healthier versions of some of the not so healthy items that kids typically like. Whether or not you have a “picky eater”, here are 10 ways that you can get your child to eat healthier and ways to get your child involved so that you can create healthy habits that last! These 10 ways are all based on my experience with my son.
It’s definitely a process and takes time and patience to instill healthy habits, but I have seen first hand that it does work and you can have fun along the way with these simple tips!
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided throughout my website pertaining to your health or wellness, is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or health care provider. It is intended to be provided for informational, educational, and self-empowerment purposes only. This information should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or health condition. If you have, or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your physician or health care provider. A Health Coach is defined as a guide and mentor who empowers clients to take responsibility for their own health and supports them to implement and sustain lifestyle and behavior changes that will contribute to the achievement of their personal wellness goals. I became certified as a Health Coach because of my passion for health and wellness, and to work with others on incorporating positive and healthy changes in their lives.
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