Nutrition for Kids

How to Teach Your Children About Healthy Eating

You realize that nutrition for kids is important, but you're not sure how to teach your child to make better food choices.

Now what?

Here are a few suggestions to help teach your child about nutrition and how it relates to their all-around health:

1.) Learn more regarding nutrition yourself. You can't teach what you don't know yourself. Find a quality resource from a qualified and experienced professional that can show you in easy-to-understand language how to use nutrition and fitness to help your family live happier and healthier.

2.) Start with an approved foods list. Make a list of all of the foods that your child likes. Then take that list and divide it into foods that are superior for them, and foods that are not so good. Post the list on the refrigerator as a reminder to you and your child to choose even more of the foods that are better, and less of the foods that are not as healthy.

3.) Talk about the consequences of trivial nutrition in age-appropriate terms. Explain the rewards in terms that they can relate to and understand. You can tell kids that obesity will lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, but that probably won't mean much to them today. Tell them that they can feel better about themselves, climb stairs without getting out of breath, and play longer, harder, and better.

4.) Start to read labels together. They don't have to comprehend all of the information on a label, but getting them in the habit of looking at every label they see, and simply comparing calories will help get them thinking about nutrition.

Early nutrition lessons can help develop heart-healthy habits that last a lifetime. Have your kids help you in the kitchen and talk about what makes some ingredients better for them than others. Discuss ways to cook their favorite foods healthier, then experiment!

The rising rates of obesity and diet related chronic disease in the U.S., especially among children, are clear signs that many Americans truly do not understand the vital role of a healthy diet and adequate physical activity in maintaining their health. Educating both children and their families about healthy eating and activity habits is a crucial step in addressing this serious problem.

All parents want their children to be healthy and it appears that paying attention to our children's diets pays high dividends. We all need to educate ourselves for healthier living. Please visit: http://www.ashnow.com/999751


Jackie Whalen
ash_now@yahoo.com
http://www.ashnow.com/999751
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only, and not intended to replace the orthodox physician-patient relationship. If you are sick, you are advised to consult a physician, and together, along with your newly gained knowledge, work toward the resolution of your illness.