How to Help Your Children Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
It is no secret that whole foods are better for overall health. Starting as young as two years old, food choices can affect us for the rest of our lives. This is why it is so important to teach our children good food habits. Of course, kids can be really picky eaters and with all the influence of commercials it is no wonder that kids would rather eat fattening, processed foods over health nutritious snacks. There are some great ways to get your kids to choose healthier options.
The first step is to make better choices for yourself. You are the main person in their life that needs to set a good example. If your children see you choosing healthy foods over fast food or processed foods they will be more likely to make those same choices. You are also in control of what your kids eat when they are at home. Make sure you use this time to eat healthy family meals, made with fresh fruits and veggies and whole foods.
When your kids are young it is important to give them food choices. A good way to go this is give them two healthy food choices. Ask your child if they would like carrot sticks, or apples. These are two healthy choices, so no matter which one they pick it will benefit their health. If your child is hesitant to try new foods encourage them to try at least three bites. If they know that they only have to try it, they will be more likely to open up to new foods.
If you have an older child, it is not too late to start. There are many studies that show kids from the ages of two to eight are not likely to have many changes to their food preferences, but after age eight children tend to be more open to new things. Even if your child is unwilling know that their tastes might change. If there is at least one or two fruits and veggies that they enjoy make sure they get plenty of them until that time opens up.
Of course there are always ways to trick your kids into eating more whole foods. There are many cookbooks on the market about just this subject. Smoothies are a great way to do this. If you are going to make smoothies for your kids, skip the ice cream and go for just plain ice with yogurt. Or use frozen fruit with a banana to blend up and have a thick and delicious smoothies. There are so many ways to make smoothies, just make sure you start with healthy ingredients.
It really is possible to get your kids to make healthy food choices. By eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods you are setting your child on the road to good health. It might take a little bit of work, but to give your child a healthy relationship with food is a great gift indeed.
