Health Insurance Daily

Help Kids Make Healthy Choices

Encourage New Foods—So they don’t like broccoli, eh? Forget trying to force foods that they won’t enjoy eating. Instead, encourage trying new foods that could make a good substitute for the forlorn broccoli. Try Spinach! And, when they’re not looking, try adding broccoli to casseroles or salads, and see if they’ll eventually change their minds. Make sure to let your child see YOU trying new foods and they might just follow suit.

Remember—Less is More—Piling more food than they could ever eat onto their plates will not encourage healthy eating. Make sure you use smaller portions initially and then serve more if your child is still hungry.

Provide Forced Choices—Instead of asking “What do you want to eat?” give a forced choice, meaning that you would provide them with 2 or 3 choices of foods that are similar in nutritional value. Kids can then choose what sounds best.

Don’t Fill Up On Juice—If you notice that your child isn’t hungry at meals but manages to finish all of their drink, they might be filling up on liquid. Try serving only half a glass and then allow them to have more when they’re successfully eaten some of their meal.

Turn Off the T.V. — Meal distractions include TV, radio, toys, and anything else that makes your child forget that they’re suppose to be eating. Make meal time family time!

Monitor Snacking—If your child is eating too many snacks in between meals, they may be missing out on some of the nutritional powerhouses that you’re serving for lunch and dinner! Limit cookies and chips and encourage fruits and vegetables between meals.

Set a Good Example—No one knows better than your children that if you don’t have to do it, they don’t have to do it! Make sure you practice positive behavior at the table.

Reward Positive Behavior—When your child finishes all the vegetables you served, reward that behavior with positive remarks.

posted by Mike @ 10:10 AM