Here are the top 10 tips for getting children to eat healthy food:
1. Do not restrict food. Restricting food increases the risk your child may develop eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia later in life.
2. Keep healthy food at hand. Children will eat what's readily available.
3. Don't label foods as "good" or "bad." Instead, tie foods to the things your child cares about, such as sports, academics and hobbies. Let your child know that lean protein such as turkey and calcium in dairy products give strength to their sports and academic performance.
4. Praise healthy choices. Give your children a proud smile and tell them how smart they are when they choose healthy foods.
5. Don't nag about unhealthy choices. If your child chooses unhealthy foods infrequently, ignore it. However, if your child always wants fatty, fried food, redirect the choice. if your child wants candy, you might make fresh strawberries dipped in a little chocolate sauce.
6. Never use food as a reward. This could create weight problems in later life. Instead, reward your children with something physical and fun
7. Sit down to family dinners at night. If this isn't a tradition in your home, it should be.
8. Prepare plates in the kitchen. There you can put healthy portions of each item on everyone's dinner plate. You might notice that you need less food to feel full!
9. Give the kids some control. Ask your children to take three bites of all the foods on their plate and give it a grade, such as A, B, C, D, or F. When healthy foods - especially certain vegetables -- get high marks, serve them more often. Offer the items your children don't like less frequently. This lets your children participate in decision making. After all, dining is a family affair!
10. Consult your pediatrician. Always talk with your child's doctor before putting your child on a diet. Never diagnose your child as too heavy, or too thin, by yourself. If weight change is recommended seek the help of a Dietitian.
1. Do not restrict food. Restricting food increases the risk your child may develop eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia later in life.
2. Keep healthy food at hand. Children will eat what's readily available.
3. Don't label foods as "good" or "bad." Instead, tie foods to the things your child cares about, such as sports, academics and hobbies. Let your child know that lean protein such as turkey and calcium in dairy products give strength to their sports and academic performance.
4. Praise healthy choices. Give your children a proud smile and tell them how smart they are when they choose healthy foods.
5. Don't nag about unhealthy choices. If your child chooses unhealthy foods infrequently, ignore it. However, if your child always wants fatty, fried food, redirect the choice. if your child wants candy, you might make fresh strawberries dipped in a little chocolate sauce.
6. Never use food as a reward. This could create weight problems in later life. Instead, reward your children with something physical and fun
7. Sit down to family dinners at night. If this isn't a tradition in your home, it should be.
8. Prepare plates in the kitchen. There you can put healthy portions of each item on everyone's dinner plate. You might notice that you need less food to feel full!
9. Give the kids some control. Ask your children to take three bites of all the foods on their plate and give it a grade, such as A, B, C, D, or F. When healthy foods - especially certain vegetables -- get high marks, serve them more often. Offer the items your children don't like less frequently. This lets your children participate in decision making. After all, dining is a family affair!
10. Consult your pediatrician. Always talk with your child's doctor before putting your child on a diet. Never diagnose your child as too heavy, or too thin, by yourself. If weight change is recommended seek the help of a Dietitian.