The Art To Getting Kids To Eat Healthy

The art to getting kids to eat healthy is challenging but once you know how, it will become second nature and meal times will be fun and enjoyable for all.

The state of your health and body weight has been influenced by eating habits during your life, especially your childhood, this is why it is so important to start as you mean to go on.

Raising a nation of obese and unhealthy children and then adults is not an ideal outcome, but avoiding this as many a frustrated parent knows is easier said than done. Getting your kids to eat their 5 a day fruit and veg, cutting down on fizzy drinks and chips really can make mealtimes a nightmare.

Starting young is key to preventing children becoming picky eaters later on, giving them plenty of choice and variety during the early years helps develop a taste for healthy eating.

Firstly take a look in your cupboard and start by making a shopping list that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen can also be just as good as fresh. Lean meats, fresh fish and alternatives to chips such as brown rice, cous cous and bulger wheat are great.

Cut down on dairy products, fruit juices, crisps and fizzy drinks and processed meals, although don’t forget we all need a treat and a plate of chips or a chocolate biscuit occasionally will certainly do no harm.

Include your children in the buying and cooking process, this helps them learn about food and how to prepare it.

Try to have meals together as a family and if this is not possible because of busy schedules and out of school activities etc make a real effort at least 3 times a week to sit down as a family, weekends are good or eating a little later after clubs so everyone eats at the same time.

Having a little fun with food is a winner, especially with younger children, food that children can help prepare allows them to feel more involved and gives them a far greater interest both now and as they get older.

Thanks for reading my blog post and in the meantime if you would like to read more of my fantastic cooking tips and food recipes you can subscribe to my RSS feed or join my free online Ezine.

To your food heaven

Dominic