Parents and caregivers can help encourage a lifetime of healthy eating
habits for the whole family by making fruits and vegetables a part of
every meal, limiting snacks and controlling portion sizes. Create opportunities
for good choices by following these 3 simple tips:
Think: Easy
Healthy snacks are easy ways to cut sugar and fat from your child’s
diet. A busy family can benefit from food that’s nutritious and
easy to eat on-the-go. Have healthy snacks on hand, and pre-package appropriate
serving sizes of fruits, vegetables, crackers, etc. When your kids are
hungry, you already have a quick treat on hand!
Think: Creatively
Dealing with a child that refuses to try new foods? Here are a few suggestions
our employees have used to encourage their children to make healthy choices:
Shop and cook with your kids.
“Having our children involved in the process of selecting and preparing
their snacks and meals has made a big difference in the variety of foods
they will eat.” -Heather of Walker
Make it fun.
“My grandchildren eat more whenever I arrange their food into faces
on their plates or cut their sandwiches into shapes.” -Melissa of
Madisonville
Create a “try it first” rule.
“Before our 4 year old can veto an item off his plate, he must try
it first. The rule has helped him get comfortable with new foods.”
– Marquette of Hammond
Give ‘em options.
“Placing my daughter’s snacks in a muffin tin tray makes for
a special presentation. More importantly, it gives her a variety of healthy
choices.” -Lauren of Ponchatoula
Think: Placement
Children and families tend to consume more of the foods that are easily reached.
Here are a few tips to make healthier choices:
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Keep healthy foods at eye level. Fruits and vegetables are more likely to be consumed if they are within reach.
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Store tempting foods out of sight. Place cookies, chips and ice cream out of immediate eyesight. Set these
items on a high shelf or in the back of the freezer to reduce temptation.
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Trade in the candy dish. Replace your sugar-laden candy dish with a fruit bowl.