Tips to build healthy eating habits with your children

Healthy eating is instrumental when it comes to our children’s lifelong health – influencing their growth, development and overall wellness.

Although we recognize the importance of a children’s diet, we also recognize that building healthy, sustainable habits at a young age can be difficult. Of course, there is no magic wand that will have them craving broccoli and carrots, but there are some proven ways to influence their choices.

Not sure where to start? Wendy Backaus, clinical dietician, has some tips:

Don’t Force It

Forcing healthy options on your children is likely to have an adverse effect. An alternative, for younger children, could be the “one bite to be polite” method – asking them to take at least one bite to try the food. Allowing for your children to have a say in the healthy foods they consume gives them a sense of independence and helps them maintain a positive outlook on the foods they may choose in the future.

Parent Modeling

They are watching – and are likely to follow in your footsteps! What you are eating as a parent influences the options your child will be open to themselves. Cooking healthy meals and purchasing healthy snacks sets a great example.

Continued Exposure

Continuing to expose your kids to healthful food options is key. It can take up to 20 exposures for a child to become comfortable with a food and accept it. Consider introducing new foods through a variety of recipes.

Education

At a young age, it is beneficial to help them understand whole foods and healthy options. Online resources, such as MyPlate, offer an abundance of interactive materials to help.

By instilling healthy eating habits at a young age, you are setting your child up for a healthier future. If a method doesn’t seem to work, try another - each child is unique and will respond to different habit-building methods.

Get started today by visiting www.myplate.gov and exploring their resources. Happy healthy eating!