I am always constantly asked, “how do your kids eat so much veggies/salad”? At times, I’m even impressed with the amount of salad they can consume. So, how did I get them to eat healthy?
Well, it all started when I first introduced food to them… so 6-8 years ago, lol! If your pediatrician tells you to first introduce vegetables to your baby.. listen! If you right off the bat introduce your children to fruits, especially ones that are sweet like bananas, they will have a hard time adjusting to other food taste, especially veggies.
Along the way as your kid(s) get older they will go through phases and their taste buds will rapidly change. But here are 5 tips I’m sharing with you all on how to keep your kids eating healthy
1. You’re the parent, you say what they can and can’t have
In my household, I don’t allow my children to just eat whatever they want. If I did, they would choose to have cookies, candy, and ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But that’s not happening! Now, my kids aren’t always healthy eaters. I don’t really restrict my kids from certain foods. I believe in moderation and teaching them ways to eat. For instance, once they’ve had breakfast, they will most likely want a snack before lunch, which I will allow them to have a snack. BUT, their first snack of the day MUST be either fruit or veggies, or both. If they don’t eat fruit/veggies, they know that they cann’t have any other snacks or dessert until it is finished, and most of the time, they finish it!
2. Feed them veggies constantly
I make sure they eat vegetables (other than their snack veggies) at least 1 time a week. I think it’s really important to make sure you constantly give it to them, because their little taste buds change so much, that if you stop giving it to them for a while, they will not want to eat it anymore, and eventually not like the taste.
They LOVE salad, and can eat an entire bowl or 2 of it. When it comes to other veggies, like carrots, broccoli, peas etc.. they do like it, but it needs to have flavor. So, I try to incorporate those type of veggies into our dinner meals.
3. Cut back the sugar
One thing that kids now a days get really addicted too, is sugar! Kids love it. I mean who doesn’t. But, as we all know, it’s not good for you. Keeping sweets, sugary snacks in the house is just you asking for trouble. Of course, you know your kid(s) will ask for it, and that’s all they want, because it’s what they saw. It’s not bad to give your kids something sweet every now and then, but limit it. Hide it, so they don’t know where it’s at.
Cut back or eliminate the soda! Did you know, that some juices (in fact most) contains more sugar then soda! Cut back on it! Have your kid(s) drink more water or find other healthier drinks.. there are so many out there now!
4. Slowly change out the bad for the good
One thing that I’m working on it slowly introducing healthier options to my kids; for instance sugar alternatives, chocolate, dairy, etc.
5. Take vitamins and be active
Make sure your kids take their daily vitamins and get their daily dose of exercise! Vitamins will boost their immune systems and exercise is just good for their mind, body, and soul. You don’t need to physically do exercise with them… but allowing them to run around the house/backyard/front yard/park… or just walking around somewhere for 30-40 minutes, will be beneficial to them!
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