Eating Healthy

A common question from parents is "How can I get my child to eat their vegetables?" The answer to this is not simple and it will often differ between children - what works for one, may not work for another. 

Here are some tips for getting your child to start eating a more balanced and nutritious diet:

Eat regularly 

Children need a consistent eating schedule of breakfast, lunch, dinner and a morning and afternoon snack. Skipping or delaying meals can make children cranky and more likely to eat something that is quick and easy (e.g. junk food). Try to plan meals ahead and keep healthy snacks ready, such as dried fruit, carrot sticks or muesli bars.

Set a good example 

Children will often imitate what they see others doing. If parents eat healthy, it will help reinforce positive eating habits. But if papa's always snacking on treats, don't be surprised when the little one wants some too!

Try a little

Think to when you were a child and there were probably several foods that you didn't like then, but you enjoy now. That's because our taste buds change over time and become accustomed to new flavors. At the very least, your child should try a mouthful of something before rejecting it. If this is done consistently, they will soon get used to different foods and start eating them without being forced. 

Make eating fun

Ideally, eating should be a relaxing and social event, not full of crying and stress. There are many creative ways to make eating a fun time for your child. If they are competitive, make it a race (but be sure they keep their manners and chew properly!). If they enjoy stories, create a story with the food ("You're a dinosaur and you need to run away from the T-Rex. But only the broccoli will give you the strength to run faster....watch out, I can hear the T-Rex coming!"). Some children like to pretend that someone or something else ate their food, so creating that something and looking away might help them take some bites by themselves.

Get them to help

Children love to help. If they are involved in the preparation of a meal they may be more inclined to eat it. Help them hold the knife to cut some carrots. Let them wash the potatoes. Have some fun mashing the pumpkin together. When it's time to eat they will be proud to say that they helped to cook the dinner! 

Do you have any other tips for eating healthy? We'd love to hear them!