How to Create a Healthy Attitude Toward Food
By Donna Stark
We often hear talk about kids having bad attitudes, but if there is one type of attitude that as parents we should focus on, it's their attitude toward food. Food is the keystone to optimal health, and unfortunately for kids of today, there are so many mixed messages about it. On any given day, how many times have you seen commercials for junk food? Probably a lot, and if you are seeing them, then more than likely, so are your children. If you want your children to develop a good attitude toward food, you need to create rules and help them establish healthy eating habits. Here are some suggestions on how to do so.
Be a Good Role Model
You are the most important influence on your children, so pay attention to your own eating habits as well and try to avoid sending mixed messages at the table. For example, you can't guzzle down a soda right in front of your children if you are trying to teach them that soda is bad for their health. Be consistent, enjoy those healthy, nutrient-dense foods, and let your children watch you eat them.
Increase Consumption of Raw Vegetables and Fruit
There are some children who put up a fight when it comes to eating their cooked vegetables at dinnertime, but if you place some raw carrots, celery, or even some pieces of fruit in front of them while they are doing homework or watching TV, you can bet they won't bat an eye as they sit there and fill up on that healthy snack!
Let Them Be Picky
Let them be picky? Isn't that the opposite of what we are told to do? Well, hear me out on this. If it really is a struggle to get your children to eat healthily, then take them along with you when you go shopping and let them select the foods they enjoy (and of course, their selections should fall under the healthy category). By giving them the choice of what they are eating, you may find that there are fewer fights at the dinner table. It may also help them become more creative when coming up with meal ideas, which is a great habit to carry through to adulthood!
Healthy Attitude and Healthy Habits
A healthy approach to eating starts at home and fortunately, there are many things you can do to help your children develop it from an early age. Don't just tell them that their attitude toward food is bad ... it's important to teach them the reasons behind it so that you can impact their lives in the most powerful way possible!
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