How do I get my kids to eat healthy?

I am often told by parents the rigorous story of the poor eating habits of their children. Commonalities such as “they do not like food that is good for them” or “I never know if they are going to eat what I prepare” to “my kid is so finicky, I cannot get him to try new things”. I want to share with you some basic facts about children and their eating habits. [blockquote cite=”Dr. Warren Willey”]It goes without saying that if you want your kids to eat healthier foods it starts with your trip to the store! Buy healthy foods, avoid the junk, and help your kids develop good eating habits for life.[/blockquote]

First:

Children need moral support to eat. They do better when a parent sits down with them and eats what they are eating. Kids eat by taste and appearance. Adults are more likely to ignore the taste of something, or try something new if we know it’s good for us. Kids could not care less. Even serving something they like in a different manner may throw them into the “YUK” mode.

Second:

Kids eat when they are hungry. The will have ravenous days and days of complete undernourishment. Their internal sense of hunger, appetite and fullness are keener than ours. Something I wish I could bottle and sell…

Finally:

Kids need to feel in control of their eating. The best way to accomplish this is to eat as a family and let your child help prepare the food and then serve themselves. It goes without saying that if you want your kids to eat healthier foods it starts with your trip to the store! Buy healthy foods, avoid the junk, and help your kids develop good eating habits for life.

Check out our ChewIt campaign to learn more about kids’ nutrition.