Tips On How To Raise Food Smart Kids

Are you having a hard time feeding your kids especially if you’re serving veggies? More often kids are super picky on what they eat, so it is absolute that you add a variety in your food without sacrificing its quality. Creating a nutritious meal is very important for your child’s development as food is important for rapid growth and development.

As a parent you should set an example for your kids to become food smart. Here are some helpful tips on how to get your children eat healthy food.

Do not restrict food

Restricting food can impose negative effect on your child, like developing a psychological problem later in life such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, etc.

Keep healthy food in reach

Instead of Junk food in the table why not stock fruits and placed it in a bowl on top of table or fridge, remember that children can easily access the food and eat them. Putting the fruits inside the fridge makes them lazy to get it.

Don’t label food as good or bad

Your goal as a parent is to introduce different varieties of food and tell them what nutritional benefits they can gain. Ex: carrots, carrots is needed to improve eyesight and is a good anti oxidant.

Praise healthy choices

A good old smile or praise for every healthy choice that your kids make will be inculcated on their brains.

Be careful to use food as a reward

Instead of rewarding your children with food, make some alternative by playing in the park. Food as a reward can impose weight problems later in life

Eating with the family

Study shows that children who eat dinner with their family have better nutrition and are less likely to get in trouble as a teen.

Give your child some control over food

By asking what veggies or fruits he/she wants to eat, that way your child’s decision making is also exercised.

Consult with your Pediatrician

Before entering any diet/weight gain program for your child be sure to ask your pediatrician. They still know what is best and which is suitable for your kids. 

Reference: http://www.medicinenet.com/ways_to_raise_food-smart_kids_pictures_slideshow/article.htm