Aug 63 min read

Nutrition & You ~ Get Your Kids To Eat Healthy! 10 Steps

Updated: Aug 6

As the Chief Dermatologist and CEO of Innate Esthetics®, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that nutrition can have on our overall health and appearance. Ensuring that our children develop healthy eating habits early on is crucial for their growth, development, and lifelong well-being. Here are ten steps you can take to encourage your young children to eat healthy:

1. Lead by Example

Children often mimic their parents' behaviors. If they see you enjoying a variety of healthy foods, they're more likely to want to try them too. Make a habit of eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and let your children see you doing so.

2. Make Mealtime Enjoyable

Turn mealtime into a positive experience by creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Avoid using mealtime to discuss stressful topics or enforce strict rules. Instead, focus on sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

3. Involve Them in Meal Preparation

Let your children help with meal preparation. This can be as simple as washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or setting the table. When children are involved in the cooking process, they are more likely to be interested in eating the food they helped prepare.

4. Offer a Variety of Foods

Expose your children to a wide range of healthy foods from an early age. Offer different fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Even if they reject a new food at first, continue to offer it in different forms. Sometimes it takes several attempts before a child will accept a new food.

5. Create Fun and Appealing Meals

Make healthy meals fun and visually appealing. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with fruits and vegetables, or arrange food in colorful patterns. Children are often drawn to visually stimulating and fun-looking meals.

6. Establish Regular Mealtimes

Having regular mealtimes helps children develop a routine and understand when to expect food. Try to serve meals and snacks at roughly the same times each day. This consistency can help regulate their appetite and reduce the tendency to snack on unhealthy foods.

7. Limit Sugary and Processed Foods

While it’s okay to have treats occasionally, try to limit sugary and processed foods in your child’s diet. Explain to them the importance of eating foods that are good for their bodies. Offer healthier alternatives like fruits, nuts, or yogurt when they crave something sweet.

8. Teach Portion Control

Help your children understand the concept of portion sizes. Use smaller plates and bowls, and teach them to listen to their hunger and fullness cues. Encourage them to take small portions first and offer more if they are still hungry.

9. Encourage Hydration

Ensure your children drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, and offer water or milk as their primary beverages.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Changing eating habits and introducing new foods can take time. Be patient and persistent without forcing or pressuring your children. Encourage them to try new foods and praise them for their efforts, even if they don’t like everything right away.

Conclusion

Teaching young children to eat healthy is a journey that requires patience, creativity, and persistence. By implementing these ten steps, you can create a positive and nurturing environment that encourages your children to make healthy food choices. At Innate Esthetics®, we believe that good nutrition is the foundation of overall health and well-being. Let’s work together to set our children on the path to a healthy and vibrant life.

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Dr. Lazuk,

Chief Dermatologist & CEO

Voted as the Best MedSpa Near Me!