A Healthy Child Starts at Home
By Brandi Goodman
Family Meals Month and Childhood Obesity Awareness Month are both front and center in September. Now's the time to learn about healthy habits that you should instill in your children. A healthy child starts at home, after all. With the right instruction and modeling efforts by you, your kids will have a better understanding and desire to follow through with your example.
Make Meals Together
One of the best things you can do for your family is make meals together. Family Meals Month encourages this because of the bonding experience it can provide as well as the healthy habits it encourages. You should find nutritious ingredients and teach your child the benefits of using them. Fruits and vegetables are good for you. They provide vitamins that help you stay healthy. Getting your kids in the kitchen to use these ingredients can also encourage them to try them. They helped make it, so they're more likely to want to try a bite.
Encourage Choosing Healthy Foods While Shopping
Let your children shop for groceries with you. Don't discourage them from picking foods out. Instead, encourage them to pick something healthy. Tell them they can choose whatever fruit or vegetable is their favorite from the produce aisle. Ask them if they prefer this item to that so they can see they have somewhat of a choice and are contributing to the conversation instead of just eating whatever you set out.
Create Fun Snacks
Options such as ants on a log were created to help kids have fun with food and want to try healthier items more often. Instead of giving your child a celery stick and expecting them to eat it, let them help you create a more fun snack. Ants on a log consist of celery, peanut butter, and raisins. Your kids can have fun putting it together, and it will taste better for them with the peanut butter added. You're also providing extra protein and nutrients. Cut fruits and veggies into fun shapes or make a delicious dip to use for them. There are lots of creative snacks to make.
Don't deprive your kids of all snack items and fast food. You can have a treat now and then. Just be sure you're encouraging them to pick the healthier options, and you're offering nutritious foods to pair it with. By abiding by these healthy habits yourself, you're setting a good example that your kids can follow throughout their lifetime.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.