Introduction
Kids can be picky eaters. They want to go right for the macaroni and cheese, and not so much the green beans. But what if they didn’t have a choice? What if your child had to get his vegetables before he could get any other food? Would that make them more interested in trying new things? Especially healthy foods?
In this post, we are going to talk about how you can set up your fridge with healthy foods first so that kids are forced to try them before getting anything else. We will also discuss how you can incorporate veggies into all of their favorite dishes!
Importance of nutrition and food
In the kitchen, we have to be aware of what kids are eating. You may think that you’re doing a good job by letting them choose for themselves, but it’s important to pay attention and guide their choices. If they don’t get enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, then they won’t be as healthy or strong as they should be.
Kids these days are very active, which is why they need a lot of calories and nourishment to keep going. If you want your child to have the best chance at success, then it’s important that you guide them towards healthy foods.
What are the benefits of fruits and vegetables?
There are many benefits that come from fruits and vegetables. We know they’re good for us, but there is more to them than just their benefits alone. They can help boost our immune system if we get the right amounts of vitamins every day.
Many vitamins and minerals are found in fruits and vegetables, which are beneficial to children’s health. Vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and folic acid are among them. Homocysteine, a chemical that may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease, may be reduced by folic acid. They contain a lot of dietary fiber. High consumption of fruit and vegetables, as part of a well-balanced, regular diet and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Ways to make your child eat healthily
There are some ways to make them eat veggies and fruits without distractions. When you give them healthy food, don’t make them eat in front of a T.V. Rather as a family, sit together and enjoy the meal. Aside from this, Here are 6 ways to make this habit possible.
Serve salads
If your kids are used to eating creamy, gooey mac and cheese for dinner, then they may not be very keen on trying a salad! But what about when that’s all you have in the house? You can get them hooked with some of these healthy lettuce recipes. To obtain enough vitamin A, eat at least one leafy green or yellow vegetable each day, such as spinach, broccoli, winter squash, greens, or carrots. There are many food recipes that turn salads into a great dish!
Fruit smoothies
Eating healthy doesn’t limit to vegetables alone. There are plenty of benefits of fruits and you can derive them by trying out smoothies. Smoothies are great because they can be customized to include whatever fruits and vegetables you want. Yes! Also vegetables. Make sure you choose fruits that can be grounded to make fruit smoothies! You wouldn’t want your child to choke on a lump of fruit or vegetable while drinking.
Praise them when they eat veggies
If you have a kid that is reluctant to try new foods, break it down for them and make it seem like they’re being rewarded. You can tell your child “You ate an apple today! That means I’m going to give you five extra minutes of playtime!” Your goal is to encourage your child to eat veggies because he or she enjoys them, not because he or she expects you to praise and reward them.
Eating healthy made easier! | TIPS for Eating Healthy | Orchids the International School | Parenting
If you punish your child for not eating healthy, vegetables and fruits may become a bad experience for them. If your youngster refuses to eat his or her veggies, don’t make a big issue out of it; simply try again later.
Get creative with food
It’s always fun to eat things that are in different colors. Choose vegetables in a range of forms, colors, textures, and flavors; the more diversity there is, the more likely your child will discover something they enjoy eating. You can make healthy food fun by turning it into a game or trying new things with it, like making kiwi and avocado sushi rolls for your child instead of cucumber ones.
Keep in mind that flavor is important when you’re planning a healthy food. Try roasting vegetables with fresh herbs and lemon juice or make a yummy vegetable pizza! It’s all about eating right so go ahead and get creative!
Make eating vegetables a daily habit
The more often you offer them, the more likely your child will try it. Find new ways to serve vegetables; instead of a plain salad with oil and vinegar dressing, add some diced apples or pears for an extra flavor twist! Be mindful of what you say around your children. Children are very perceptive and they’ll pick up on your attitudes towards healthy eating and healthy food.
Be a role model
If you want your child to grow healthy, then you must set an example by eating healthily. Be sure to eat your vegetables and avoid snacking on unhealthy foods. Nutrition is important for parents just like nutrition for kids, so if you binge eat chips then you can’t instill this good habit of eating veggies into your child. So, set an example by following a healthy diet.
The wrap-up
In conclusion, the benefits of fruits and vegetables are endless. They’re not only easy to include in your child’s daily diet, but they have many benefits that can help you or your children reach their goals. Make a schedule where you’ll know which vegetable to give on which day, which recipe to try etc. Keep it creative and different every day because your child will not wish to eat carrots daily.
Also Read:
5 Ways to Help Your Children Eat Their School Lunch
8 strategies right up your sleeves to encourage healthy eating in children
