Sometimes, getting your kid to eat well may be a headache. Whether a teenager or toddler, you should always strive to feed them foods rich in essential nutrients and while at it, encourage healthy eating habits. Below are strategies and tips to help you achieve that;
Ensure an all-time supply of healthy foods
It is important to control foods that you serve for meals and snacks available in the house. This is because kids tend to eat whatever is at their disposal. Ensure that you serve vegetables or fruits in all their meals, and include lean meats, nuts, and fish etc. as they are excellent sources of protein. Serve cereals and whole grain breads for fiber and limit fast foods, sugary drinks, and low nutrient snacks. A good tip to limit fat intake is choosing healthier methods of cooking like steaming, boiling, and roasting.
Encourage family meals
Apart from getting the chance to catch up with your kid, family meals are usually comforting rituals for the whole family. Even better, your kid is less likely to snack unhealthily and is more likely going to eat vegetables and other foods packed with vital nutrients. Through family meals, you get a chance to introduce your kid to new, healthier foods. Remember to always keep all family meals calm, avoid arguing and lecturing your kid.
Be their role model
Chances are that your kid will follow your every day leads when it comes to eating. When you eat healthily, you will also be encouraging healthy eating habits to your kid. Try to indulge less in non-nutritious foods and eat more nutritious stuff. Also, serve appropriate portions because by doing so, you are sending your kid a message. If you keep a positive approach to food, you will be fostering the right attitude and feelings in your kid.
Involve the child in meal planning
Let your kid help out in preparing dinner and talk to them about planning out balanced meals. It is okay to assign easy age-appropriate tasks to them in the kitchen. Take your kid with you when going for grocery shopping and help him/her to make healthy choices. Tell them what to look out for and how to check food labels. Also, help them to pick out healthy, packable foods in the store for their school lunch. Creating these habits will not only help them to eat foods rich in all essential nutrients but also will lead to healthier decisions later in life.
Avoid conflicting over food
You might find yourself battling with your kid over food. Avoid this by looking for good strategies to get your kids to eat better. Let your kid have little control but ensure to limit the foods available at home. Have control over what is served for meals and ensure that it contains the best vitamins for young children but let your kid decide what to eat from whatever is served.
