Helping your children begin health eating habits

Jet, Jan 17, 2005

As a parent one of your most important responsibilities in life is to make sure that your children are properly fed.

While well-fed can easily mean feeding them a belly full of greasy French fries or potato chips, properly fed refers to a meal that is nutritious and aids in your growing children's development.

Take an active role in your youngsters' lives today by getting them started with healthier eating habits for the future.

Start the New Year off right by making a conscious effort to improve not only your children's diet, but the entire family's. After all, children learn by example so when the parent is eating healthy the children learn to eat healthy too.

Begin by establishing a routine where there is a set time for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. A consistent schedule usually means your children will become hungry at regular times, which makes meals easier to plan.

When children have hunger attacks, instead of going out for a bite they usually eat whatever is in the house. The easiest way to make sure you're not raising junk food junkies is by not bringing those foods through your door.

Instead fill your grocery cart up with fruits and vegetables the next time you make a store run.

This way you avoid arguments about the snacks you don't want your family members to consume.

Keep the refrigerator stocked with calcium-rich foods like broccoli, mustard greens, collard greens, kale and brussels sprouts. They are great for building children's strong bones and healthy teeth. And don't be discouraged if your youngsters don't take to dishes made with these foods right away. It may take a few tries before they learn to accept a new dish.

Get your children involved in the planning and preparation of a meal. Chances are they may be more willing eat the dishes they help create.

By helping your children build healthy eating habits early in life, they grow to be more health conscious adults who understand the benefits of good nutrition.