Many parents struggle to get their fussy kids to eat healthy foods. Peer pressure, unhealthy TV commercials and supermarket checkouts lined with junk food add to the stress put on parents to find ways to get kids to eat healthily. There’s also time pressure and having to come up with new ways to prepare ingredients which keep kids interested.
Healthy eating plays a vital role in supporting a child’s growth and development. Here are some ways to get your kids to eat healthily from our home doctor experts at House Call Doctor.
Be a role model
Expect your child to imitate what you eat in front of them. If you are choosing to eat a bag of potato chips while telling them to eat vegetables, they probably won’t listen.
Cook more meals at home
Takeaway meals can have added sugar and unhealthy fats so cooking at home can be a much healthier option. Preparing a meal together is also a great way to spend time with the family, and get your kids involved and excited about the food they are eating. You can consider including your kids in all food processes, including grocery shopping, meal planning and preparing meals.
Stock up on healthy snacks
Avoid throwing unhealthy snacks into your shopping trolley as your kids are more likely to eat better if healthy snacks are available. You can let your kids have less healthy foods occasionally as a treat, and this will make these foods more appealing and something to look forward to on special occasions.
Make meals more exciting
If your kids are fussy eaters, think about ways to make healthy foods more appealing. You can try dipping vegetables in dips and other condiments or experimenting with sauces.
Make breakfast count
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so teach your kids to start their day off with a meal that is healthy and nutritious. Also opt for breakfast options that will keep them fuller for longer to avoid unnecessary snacking.