Adults do not require special encouragement to eat healthy food, children however need quite the encouragement. It is not always effortless to make children eat a balanced diet. That is why, when it comes to developing healthy habits for kids, it is important to start early. Here are some healthy tips for kids that every parent should take into consideration.
Healthy Tips For Kids
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it kick-starts the body and provides your kids the energy as they go through the day. Start this habit of eating breakfast at a young age, so that it will stay with them as they grow up. A simple but nutritious breakfast can definitely go a long way!
Eat Healthy Snacks
Even as adults we tend to grab unhealthy snacks when we want to nibble on something. Remember that many of these snacks, no matter how good they taste, are high in calories and low in nutrients. Why not introduce healthy food for kids such as fruits, unsalted nuts, and no-sugar yogurt?
Drink Water
Water is essential to the body. During mealtime, refrain from serving juice and sweet and carbonated drinks. Although fresh juice is also packed with nutrients, make water the go-to drink for your kids.
Plant Fruits and Vegetables
Children are picky eaters, but planting herbs and vegetables at home can help you encourage them to eat, knowing that they helped in growing what is served on the table. Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a fun way to teach kids how plants grow and where food comes from. A garden is ideal, but if your space is limited, you can use a plant box instead.
Let Your Kids Be a Part of the Process
Introduce your children into the kitchen. Let them join when you are cooking and preparing food. Kids love to be involved, and you can give them their own aprons and let them help you with small kitchen tasks to bring more fun.
As they grow older, why not let them prepare a meal once a week? Kids who know how to cook are more likely to to into consideration the types of food they consume.
Be Creative
Be creative in preparing food for your kids! Children are attracted first by what they see, so take advantage of the different vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables. Different colors provide different nutrients and effects to the body, so make sure to prepare different fruits and vegetables each day.
A colorful snack of berries, fruits, and snacks or a serving of vegetables chopped into fascinating shapes can make food look more exciting and delicious!
Be Patient
It is natural for children to not want something new during their first or second try, so do not be afraid to introduce your kids to new foods. A great tip to encourage kids to try a wide range of foods is to tell them that being adventurous in food is a sign of growing up. It may also help to take them grocery shopping and let them pick a food that they like plus a new, healthy food to try at home.
Common Questions
What should a child’s diet consist of?
Since children are growing, a healthy daily diet should be followed. Protein is essential for building tissues, and good sources include beans, eggs, lean meat, peas, poultry, seafood, soy products, and unsalted nuts. Fruits and vegetables should also be in their diet. Encourage them to eat fresh and dried fruits.
What can I give my child to boost the immune system?
There are a variety of ways to boost the immune system of your children. These include the following:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Sleeping at least 8 hours a day
- Exercising
- Breastfeeding your baby
- Promoting handwashing
- Getting rid of secondhand smoke
What is the healthiest lifestyle?
A healthy lifestyle is one that promotes a nutrient-packed diet and a good amount of exercise. Consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. As much as possible, avoid saturated and trans fats and use mono- and polyunsaturated fats instead.
Teaching kids the importance of a balanced diet can be difficult for parents, but with these healthy tips for kids the transition to a healthier diet should be easier. Keep in mind, though, that exercise is also a great part of this equation. If you would like to know more about how to keep your child healthy, the professionals at Theracare can assist you with any healthcare inquiries you may have.
