Every parent wants his or her child to grow up healthy and
happy. This proves to be more difficult when a child seems to detest any food
that is not candy-coated or brightly colored; in short, they refuse to eat
healthy foods. In other cases, the children are eating mostly healthy, but are
eating too much and exercising too little. Health education for kids is paramount to
having healthy eating habits and healthy children. Here are a few ways to get
you kids to eat and live healthier:
1) Portions and Routines – We live in a culture where food
is readily available, and often we eat without even actually feeling hungry. Some
experts believe that the high availability of food is what is causing the
increase in overweight American children and adults. Portion sizes in
restaurants are increasing, causing us to eat what’s on our plate even though
it’s too much. Having routine and structured eating times for your children
will teach them when it’s time to eat and when it’s not, as well as keeping
their hunger needs satisfied with regularity. Have scheduled meals, and a
scheduled snack time. They won’t go hungry, but they won’t overeat. Also,
having regular meals promotes healthy weight.
2) Ignore the Marketing – Marketers these days are smart,
and they know exactly what buttons to push to get kids to want to buy products.
They engage the attention of children by including a toy, having brightly
colored packaging, or are made from artificial flavors and sweeteners designed
to be the most intense flavor that will ruin your child for regular fruit.
Avoid the marketing. Healthy foods are either no marketed at all, or are
marketed for being healthy, not marketed for being fun for kids. Marketers also
try to cater to those with a busy lifestyle by selling instant lunches, frozen
meals that cook in 5 minutes in a microwave, and instant soups, all of which
are depressingly low nutrition and high in salt and fat. It may be tough to
resist the temptation to get what your kid wants, or buy the easy meal, but as
a parent it is the best thing to do for your child’s health. Try cooking fun
meals at home, and getting your children involved, and planning meals that are
nutritious. It will be a fun, and educational interaction for them, they will
get to spend time with you, and have a healthy meal at the end of it.
3) Set an Example – Children emulate what they see; monkey
see, monkey do. If you’re eating an instant breakfast before work, or not
eating healthy yourself, your children will do the same. Setting the tone for
healthy, happy eating is important. If you hate eating salad, don’t eat it –
your kids will see your disgust and emulate that as well. Instead, experiment
and try new foods that are healthy and delicious. Try new recipes that are
nutritious and go on this journey towards healthy eating as a willing
participant, and your kids will follow.
To learn more about health education, click here!
