Kids have a long way to go before they realize the difference
between healthy and yummy. Nature has designed us in a way that we prefer to
choose our food based on its appearance, smell, and taste. There is a big
industry minting money by taking advantage of these human tendencies. But as
parents, we need to ensure that our children eat healthy. However, we can’t
force feed them. Some of our parents and grandparents might disagree, but let’s
check some better alternatives.
Practice what you
preach
Make sure that you eat all the healthy stuff which you ask
your kid to eat. You can’t use smart suggestions like “That’s for growing kids
only. We adults don’t need to eat it.” Or, “I have already had that earlier
before you came in.” You can’t fool kids, not today’s kids. So the first answer
to the question – how to get kids eat healthy – is to eat healthy in front of
them and with them. When they see you eat the same stuff, they will have fewer
reasons to say no.
Explain the difference
between healthy and unhealthy
Don’t give them long and boring lectures, or use the
traditional “because I said so”. Instead, involve them. Prepare simple food
items in front of them, explaining the richness and advantages of healthy food.
A regular and simple sandwich can help you teach them the benefits of healthyeating. Present harmful junk food items as “bad guys.” Present antioxidants and
toxins in a creative manner. Make the process playful and informative. But be
careful that your kids don’t catch you sneaking around with the food that you
say a big no-no to. You’ll have to exercise some self control before you can
preach that to your kids.
Turn healthy food to
be delicious
While being a guide to healthy eating for your children,
remember they are children. Search the net for recipes to make food like
vegetables appear more appealing for kids. Nobody likes bland food, so why make
the kids deal with it. Make dishes which
widen the scope of your children’s taste palettes. Get creative and cook
vegetables in a new way – something that would be loved by your kids.
These are not new or modern techniques. These are some of the
best practices shared by parents who have been successful in helping their kids
understand healthy eating habits. Give it a try.
