How to Have Kids Who Eat Healthy
By Genevieve Cunningham
Getting kids to eat something healthy can sometimes feel like the world’s biggest challenge. They want the sugar and the chips and the other fun snack type foods. Of course, if you want your children to develop healthy habits, then filling their diet with healthy foods is crucial. But how can you make this happen when all they ask for is chicken nuggets and French fries? If you need a little help, take a look at these tips for encouraging healthy eating in your children.
Start Them Young
The younger you can begin feeding your kids healthy foods, the better off you will all be. What does this mean? It means don’t start your little ones off on sweets or sugar packed foods. Give them plenty of healthy vegetables and minimal fruits. Will this guarantee a healthy eater? Of course not. All people, including kids, are very individual. They’re going to have their own minds about what they want to eat. But the sooner you customize their palate to healthy foods, the better off they will be.
Experiment With Recipes
Kids like to experiment. They like to try new things and be challenged in new ways. Why not encourage their curiosity by letting them help you with new healthy recipes? Pick out a fun veggie-based snack recipe, and let your kids help. They’ll feel a bit of ownership and will be more likely to eat it. This can also help them explore their own tastebuds. They may learn to like new spices, new ways of cooking, or brand new foods altogether.
Continue to Offer
Kids are notorious for saying no to a food five times … and then suddenly trying it on the sixth. Sometimes it might take 10 offers before they finally give in and taste it. Don’t give up. Continue to offer the healthy food, and eventually, they’ll probably break down and try it. They’re not being stubborn or doing it on purpose. Kids need exposure before gaining enough comfort to try something new. Be patient and work with them instead of against them, and you’re more likely to have a healthy eater on your hands.
Are these foolproof methods for getting kids to eat healthy? No. There will never be any foolproof method when it comes to kids! But they might help you get moving in a better direction. Just be patient and consistent, and eventually your kids will cut you a break. If you teach them healthy eating habits now, they may live a healthier lifestyle for a long and happy life in the future.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glendale, Calif.