Nutrition and Kids
Choosing healthy foods is important at every stage of life.
Teaching young children about the importance of healthy food choices and encouraging a variety of foods early on will help child development stages, both physically and mentally development-and will also help prevent disease down the road.
Teach by Example
Ensuring that your children get all the essential nutrients they need can be a challenge. But kids are impressionable-they'll mimic what you do. That's why it's important for them to see you eating a variety of healthy foods. Don't be afraid to share a fruit cup or other healthy snack together. If you eat your green beans and pears, chances are they will too.
Small Servings All Day
While children need the same advanced nutrients as you, the amounts they need are typically smaller. Offering small portions at meals and healthy snacks for kids in between are the best way to ensure your child is getting the nutrition they need. Every bite counts.
A Variety of Foods
All food groups are important and provide different advanced nutrients your child needs. Try to offer plenty of healthy diet options.
- Use whole grain cereal, pasta and rice to provide fiber and B vitamins.
- Canned, frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- Low fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are important sources of calcium, probiotics and Vit D.
- Meats and poultry are excellent sources of protein and iron.
Grocery Shopping with Your Kids
Check out this video featuring professional fitness trainer Gregg Avedon, as he offers three steps to make grocery shopping a fun and positive experience for the whole family
Research shows that children who eat with their families consume more nutritious foods, have improved academic performance, higher reading and vocabulary skills and lower rates of risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
So take time to share a meal.
It's good for your family
Get to know your kid over dinner. What are they doing in school? Who is their best friend this week?
Studies show that parents who have infrequent family dinners are twice as likely to not know the names of their teen's teachers.
So eat-and ask. It's good for everyone.
