| It can be a challenge to get your kids to eat healthy | | | | they can have when they're watching TV or doing |
| foods. They love junk food; it tastes great, it is | | | | homework. It makes them feel like they're enjoying |
| convenient and it is usually full of fat and sugar. All is | | | | their chips, but the ingredients are healthier. |
| not lost; it is possible to get your children to make | | | | Make milkshakes as a treat for everyone occasionally. |
| healthier choices. | | | | Instead of just using ice cream, try using frozen yogurt |
| Tips that Work | | | | and fresh fruit to add more nutrients. |
| Praise your kids when they make good food choices. | | | | Get your kids involved in grocery shopping. Have them |
| Positive feedback helps everyone to know they are | | | | help you make your lists and plan your meals. Let them |
| on the right track. If they begin to consistently choose | | | | help in the kitchen. They will not only learn more about |
| an orange for a snack over that bag of chips, you'll | | | | food, they will learn life skills in the kitchen about meal |
| know you're making progress. | | | | planning, cooking techniques and feel good about how |
| Don't be too rigid. It is easier for everyone to make | | | | they contributed to the meal. |
| changes if they start small. Buy more fruit choices, for | | | | If you have babies or toddlers, don't waste your time |
| instance, and keep them available while you gradually | | | | with expensive baby and toddler foods. Let them eat |
| cut back on a junk food choice. | | | | food you make. Fruit and vegetables can be mashed |
| Don't expect things to change overnight. Gradual | | | | for babies just starting solid foods. Toddlers enjoy |
| changes are easier on everyone, including you. | | | | feeding themselves with foods that everyone else is |
| Try offering several smaller meals to your kids instead | | | | eating, too. They want to be part of the family. This |
| of fewer large meals. Kids get hungry. Offering | | | | helps them get used to the fresh foods you use and |
| nutritious choices between meals can help them learn | | | | they aren't exposed to all the preservatives that can |
| to make good choices. Fruit sounds better when they | | | | be found in those toddler foods at the store. Your |
| are hungry. | | | | food will taste infinitely better than food made in a |
| Try some fun alternatives like pita pockets for | | | | factory somewhere. |
| sandwiches or let them top their own baked potatoes | | | | Let little kids play with their food. It is natural. Babies and |
| at dinner. Getting kids involved in choosing their own | | | | toddlers need to learn things through texture and touch. |
| ingredients can make them more conscious of their | | | | Spread out a plastic shower curtain or a tarp to |
| choices. | | | | protect the floor and let them explore. Let them eat |
| Make some easy snack foods that kids will love. Mix | | | | cubed avocado, banana and cooked peas. Macaroni is |
| wholesome cereals like Cheerios with peanuts, raisins, | | | | a great food for young eaters. This can start a lifetime |
| sunflower seeds and broken pretzels for a fun snack | | | | of healthy eating. |