Keep our Food Facts ebook

Kids Healthy Eating Tips

Start healthy eating habits early rather than changing bad habits later. Here are 7 ideas for kids healthy eating and a healthy kids recipe to try out.

1. Make it easy for your kids to choose healthy foods. Cut fresh vegetables and have them ready to go. If you conveniently leave them out on the table or counter you may be surprised to find they get eaten.



2. Don't buy extras at the grocery store. Making healthy choices starts with shopping. Don't buy the processed foods, chips, cookies and candy bars that tempt you. Leave them out of your house and you won't have to fight that temptation at home.



3. Chop or puree vegetables in your blender and add to sauces, quick breads or soups. They add a little more nutrition to your eating and it isn't something the kids will have to worry about eating. Carrots, onions, cabbage, green peppers, celery, zucchini are all good choices.



4. Be a good example. Our kids watch us more than we realize. A few days ago I ate a piece of chocolate sneakily by myself then came to play with the kids. One of them said, “Mom, you smell like chocolate!”



5. Involve your kids with planning a menu. Then take them grocery shopping with you. Let them help make food choices, pick out the vegetables and fruit and read labels.



6. Cut out the soda and sugar drinks. If you only have milk or water available your kids can fill up on other good choices. If you buy juice make sure it is 100% juice and limit the intake to 6-8 oz. a day.



7. Teach kids about foods, what their bodies need and why we need to choose a healthy diet. If you explain these basic principles they will come to understand the importance of why an apple is a better snack for their body then a chocolate bar. These are the choices they will have to make the rest of their life!

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