Healthy Eating for Kids
Growing kids need good nutrition. With our busy lifestyles, it can be a challenge to serve meals and snacks that are quick and easy to prepare and healthy, too.Here are some tips for healthy eating for families:
Be a good role model – Your child will follow your example
Set regular meal and snack times for the family to create a regular routine
Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal
- Use language like “everyday foods” (vegetables and fruit, whole grains) and “sometimes foods” (chips, candy) rather than calling food “good” or “bad”
- Plan healthy meals and snacks – and let the kids help with making the grocery list, preparing food, and setting the table
- Limit processed foods
- Choose water or milk over juices, pop, or sports drinks
Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters
- Don’t worry if your child is otherwise healthy and eats a variety of healthy foods each week
- Continue to introduce new foods and provide repeated opportunities to try things
- Include your child in meal planning and preparation
- Eliminate distractions – TV, cellphones, toys
Healthy Snack Ideas
Cheese
Whole wheat crackers
Air-popped popcorn
Low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit
Baby carrots with hummus or bean dip
Whole-grain cereal
Eggs
For more information