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 Famous Macaroni Cheese.” They can devise a meal plan and even write up and illustrate the nightly dinner menu to show what will be served. Give them praise when they try – and successfully eat – food that they’ve never had before.
Establish routines
When your family eats together regularly and in a common fashion, this encourages good eating habits. Turn off the television, eat breakfast every day and eat at the dinner table instead of on the sofa. This gives kids an idea of stability at mealtimes.
Help your children keep and fit
Encourage your kids to engage in physical activity, even if it’s simply walking the dog, riding your bikes to the shops instead of walking, or taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator. Remember, children see their parents as role models early in life, so show them how simple it is to do these things.
