Healthy Kids, Healthy Nutrition

Healthy Kids, Healthy Nutrition. Something every parent wants. We all want our kids to be strong and healthy, and we all want to have them eat well. Is it possible to have children who want to eat well and exercise? I think it is. I also think that if we give our kids the opportunities to eat well, they will make wise decisions for themselves. Let me explain.

I recently had my daughters 6th birthday party. There were about 20 kids (aughhhh!) It was a bit chaotic to say the least. It was an after dinner party, so we were providing snacks and cake only. I had made up a fruit and vegetable tray with some dip. Now don't get me wrong, I also had plenty of "fun" snacks like chips, cheesies and cupcakes. But it was extremely interesting to me as I watched the kids "load" up their plates.

Most of them started out by picking up the fruit and veggies. They then added the chips and cheesies. Some of them only had veggies!! As I watched these 5 and 6 year olds, I was thrilled. It showed me that children will choose healthy snacks--but they must be given an option!

The topic of healthy kids, healthy nutrition is always on my mind. I am constantly trying to come up with creative ways to offer healthy alternatives to my own children. Some are successful, some aren't. One thing I try to do is to take a few minutes on the weekend and pre-cut carrots and celery. (A favourite in our house) I buy the grape tomatoes so they can grab them easily, and always make sure I have plenty of fruit. Does this always work? No, I still have 3 kids who like to have their treats, but at least it's ready to offer and have some healthy with the "fun".

4 Tips to have Healthy Kids, Healthy Nutrition

• Buy a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables
  Even have them pick one new one out every week. This might make it more exciting for them. Prepare the veggies and have them ready to grab.

• Try and Make your Meals
  I know how busy it is, and how easy it is to prepare something from a box. But cooking good food is not always as time consuming as you might think.

  Spaghetti is a favourite in our house. I always buy whole wheat. And it doesn't take long to brown some chicken or lean beef topped with a nice red sauce. Add some veggies or a salad and you have a great healthy, balanced meal.

• Eat Regular Meals
  Kids are great grazers. They generally know when they are full, and don't often over-eat. But they also like to snack. We should all eat every 3 hours to keep our energy and blood sugars stable.

• Children should Never Diet
  Children as young as 7 have expressed concern about their weight and fears of being fat. As parents we need to set the example. We need to have healthy choices available and always offer them a healthy snack with or before the "fun" snack. We need to encourage activity. We need to show them how to be active. No two people are the same and we need to help are kids understand and feel comfortable with who they are.

  If you are struggling with your own healthy kids, healthy nutrition don't beat yourself up. Take small steps and most importantly, keep offering. They will make wise choices, especially if given the opportunity often. Related Articles
  

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