Motivating Your Children to Eat Healthy Foods
Fast food restaurants and stores selling junk foods can be easily access anywhere. Children get used to eat those unhealthy foods. Sometimes, they don’t even know that those foods are not good for them that’s why they keep on eating them. Your part as a parent should be present. Introducing them to healthy foods on the early age is one of the possible ways to acquire a healthy lifestyle. In order to motivate kids in eating healthy foods, parents can do these things:
1. Presentation of food can attract their little eyes and urge them to eat the food. According to Mail Online, “Scientists have found out youngsters are more likely to clear their plate when there is more colour and choice.” Making funny shapes and choosing different colors of vegetables and fruits will do.
I’m sure that your kids won’t resist the temptation of eating the colorful and healthy dishes that you will offer.
2. Prepare healthy meals together with your kids. They will be more likely to eat the food because they will think that “I prepare this food. It will be delicious.” It also serves as a quality time for both of you.
3. Of course, the process of preparation of food should be like this:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the dish. Make sure that there’s no soap residue in your hands.
- Use ponytails or hair net to prevent your hair strands from falling or touching the food.
- If you have colds or cough, use a protective mask for your nose and mouth.
- Wash the veggies and fruits with clean water.
- All the ingredients should not be expired or spoiled.
In preparing meals for your children, it’s necessary to observe cleanliness so that their health won’t be at risk.
4. Clean the pantry. When I said clean, I mean getting all the junk foods out of the house. All the chips, soda, and other unhealthy foods should not be found in your house. They will more likely to eat foods that they see nearby. In replacement, you can buy nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc.), fruits (raspberries, strawberries, oranges, kiwi, and others), and other healthy foods.
5. As a parent, you should be a role model in eating healthy foods (Dairy Council of California). You should prove them that they are not the only ones who should eat those meals. They should see you enjoying your food. Children imitate everything that parents are doing.
6. Sometimes, give a reward for your child if he ate the meal completely. Example of rewards are extended time of playing with friends, etc. You should always make your promises come true.
So, it’s your choice if you’ll use one, two, three, four, five, six or none of these tips in motivating the kids to eat healthy foods. All of the parents want the best for their child. If you’re one of the parents who want their child to be learn eating healthier foods, congratulations! You’ll save a lot of money if your children will have stronger immune system, resulting to fewer or totally free from diseases.
References:
- S. Whitelocks (January 6, 2012) Six colours of food is key to getting children to eat up (forming fun shapes will boost appeal too). Retrieved on November 27, 2014 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2083163/Six-colours-food-key-getting-children-eat-forming-fun-shapes-boost-appeal-too.html
2. Dairy Council of California (n.d.) Healthy Eating Starts with Parent Role Models. Retrieved on December 16, 2014 from http://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Kids/Eat-Play-Love/Article-Viewer/Article/271/healthy-eating-starts-with-parent-role-models.aspx
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Disclaimer: All of the information stated here should not be used as a replacement for a professional medical advice. Consult your physician to ask questions about your health.
