Healthy eating is an essential part of maintaining your physical wellbeing, and while we as adults may be confident in understanding why it is important, children may need some additional assistance.
Teaching your child what foods are nutritious and how to enjoy them in moderation will give them the knowledge they need to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. It is important to teach this to children as soon as possible to allow them to grow up fit and healthy.
Children learn by example, so the best way to promote healthy eating to your child is to do it yourself! Introducing them to healthy foods and drinks that you enjoy too will show them that these foods can be delicious as well as nutritious.
Eating nutritious meals as a family exposes your child to nutritious food from a young age and teaches them not to be afraid of fruits and vegetables.
Many children may avoid vegetables as they see adults doing the same, so enjoying meals that are packed full of goodness as a family enforces the idea that food is good!
However, be sure not to force your child to follow a strict, controlled diet. It is very important to promote the idea that eating unhealthy food doesn’t necessarily make you unhealthy and that it is okay in moderation.
Enforcing strict rules can lead to children developing issues with food, which they can carry with them into later life. A treat is allowed to be enjoyed every once in a while.
A great way to get your children excited and interested in healthy eating is to get them involved. Allow them to pick out fruits and vegetables they would like to try, give meal ideas for the week, and even help you prepare the meals.
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