Establishing healthful habits early in childhood will make for better choices later in life
To avoid devastating illnesses – such as diabetes or obesity – that can crop up when your child is older or an adult, it’s recommended to begin a pattern of healthful decisions from birth. When your whole family engages in good health behaviours, it benefits everyone.
Promote nutrition in your home
Good nutrition should begin at home, where children are influenced. Consistently putting nutritious foods on the table can help kids make better food decisions when they’re away from home. Fast food from restaurants can be tempting, so promoting nutritional meals at home will help lessen temptation for the ‘bad’ stuff.
Include the basic food groups in your meal planning
Educate your kids on what is (and isn’t) considered healthy. Explain why the basic food groups – dairy, meat, veg, fruit and grains – are important. Have your kids help with the meal planning whilst incorporating foods from each of these groups. Getting kids involved with planning the meals will give them a sense of input and make them more likely to enjoy eating healthfully. Older children can get involved helping with the actual meal prep and cooking.
Make mealtime fun
When having kids help prepare dinners, ask them to come up with a ‘name’ for the dish, such as “Michael’s F