You don't always have complete control over your child's diet, but there are ways in which you can instill healthy habits, even while they're away on that field trip or making decisions in the school cafeteria.
Good habits start early, so here are some ways you can encourage your kids to make the right choices.
Dips Are Your Friend
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Mealtime should be fun for your kids, so trying out different dips for their veggies can be a fun way to get them into nutritious food without sacrificing taste. If it doesn't taste good, chances are your kids won't eat it.
Don't Play Food Police
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If you've done your job by serving a nutritious meal at the table, resist the urge to comment about how they haven't touched their veggies or how they must eat this or that first. It will only create resistance in your little ones and they need to be able to make their own choices.
Involve Kiddos in Cooking
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Let the kids select produce at the store or give them a job while preparing meals. The more included they are in the selection and creation of meals, the more invested they'll be in enjoying nutrition.
It Starts With You
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Oftentimes, you may focus so much on how well your child is eating that you don't realize just how often their eyes are on you. You set the stage, so look inward and change your habits for the better.
Don't Force It
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Your kids' bodies are smart things; they know when they're hungry, what they like and what they need. You don't need to force-feed nutrition in order to get the healthy kids you desire. So relax and remember that their little bodies are growing and innately know what they need.
Make School Lunches Fun
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Simple things like cutting sandwiches into fun shapes or including their favorite dipping sauce for veggies can make reaching for those ice cream sandwiches less tempting. Food should be fun.
Treats Are OK
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A small treat here and there is an awesome way to show your child that food is to be enjoyed, even the ones typically deemed as "bad." It's what your child eats over long periods of time that shape their nutrition future.
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