This is an important topic for all of us, but especially for parents: "How can I get my kids to eat healthy?" When people ask us that question we respond by asking them one: "How well do you eat?" Sorry, but we'll probably offend some folks with this article. Yet it needs to be said. If you're honest and answer that you don't eat very well, then deep down you know why your children are nutritionally challenged. Kids learn behaviors from the time they're born and throughout their lives. And no one has a greater influence on those learned behaviors than you. We're continually amazed at how far parents will go to pay for the right education, activities and medical care, but they forget about the right nutrition.
It's tough to eat well with today's demanding schedules, but the example needs to be set from you, the parent, beginning right now. Here are some tips to set you and your family on the right path.
1) Stop buying junk food. Explain to your kids why it's not good for them. If they still want it, force them to buy it on their own.
2) Take your kids with you for an educational grocery shopping experience. Show them what you're buying, and discuss why these selections are wholesome and nutritious.
3) Cook healthy together as a family. That means preparing a protein, veggie and complex carbohydrate for all the meals you can. Show your children what a healthy meal looks and tastes like. Get them involved. Parents that constantly order out for pizza and Chinese will raise kids that order out for pizza and Chinese.
4) Eat together as a family. Eating home-cooked meals together has a tremendous influence on your child's eating behaviors.
5) Don't let your kids buy their lunch at school. You're the adult and you should be making wise choices on their behalf, such as healthy sandwiches, fruits, nuts and yogurt. If they sneak in a poor food choice from a friend occasionally, don't worry too much. It's not enough to undo the good you're doing.
Book Dan Polimino to speak at your next meeting or event today. For program information contact us at info@BookDan.com, visit www.BookDan.com or call 303-683-4795.