Nutrition for Everyone: Quick Tips -- Healthy Children, Healthy Choices

Eat at Home

Part of having a healthy family includes spending time together. The family meal is a great way for everyone to get together, have a conversation, and eat together.

• Serving meals at home requires planning. Before you do your shopping, sit down and plan your meals for the week. Make a list of all the ingredients you'll need to prepare healthy, balanced meals. When fatigue kicks in and you want dinner on the table fast, your menu is already planned and the ingredients are right on hand.
• Make sure to always include low-fat or nonfat dairy products, fruit, and vegetables.
• Limit the amount of processed ready to-eat-snacks you buy (such as potato chips or cookies). Prepackaged and processed foods are usually higher in calories and fats and often more expensive. For the price of a large bag of chips and box of cookies you can buy the items below
  • 2 pounds of apples
  • 1 pound of bananas
  • 1 pound of carrots
  • 3 pounds of potatoes
  • 1 pound of peppers
• Simplify your schedule for better quality of life. Say no to lessons, teams, and commitments that don't interest you or your child. If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, consider limiting the number of organized activities your child participates in to one per season.
• Children thrive on routine. Routine meals, naps, outdoor play, and bedtime can make for a happy child who comes to the table rested and hungry for the food you have prepared.

To serve a healthy and balanced meal at home, choose a variety of foods from several food groups. Children need to eat a variety of different foods every day. Use the Myplate to help guide your food choices.

Getting Children Involved

An easy way to get children to try new foods is to get them involved in meals. Here are some age-appropriate suggestions.

3-year-olds can

• Wipe table tops.
• Scrub and rinse fruit and vegetables.
• Wash and tear lettuce.
• Snap green beans.
• Bring ingredients from one place to another.
• Mix ingredients and pour liquids.
• Knead and shape yeast dough.
• Put things in the trash.
• Shake liquids in a covered container.

4-year-olds can also

• Peel oranges or hard cooked eggs.
• Mash bananas with a fork.
• Set a table.
• Cut parsley or green onions with kid-safe scissors.

5-year-olds can also

• Measure ingredients.
• Use an egg beater or whisk.

Picky Eating Tips

• Parents are role models! Set a good example by eating healthy foods yourself! Buy and try new fruits and vegetables. Drink water between meals. Set an eating routine at home for your meals and snacks. Your children will learn by your good example.
• Don't expect your child to like something new the first time. Offer it again in a week. It usually takes several tries before children are willing to try new foods.
• Place a small amount of each food on your children's plates. Let them ask for more.
• It's normal for children to explore foods. Young children often touch or smell the food on their plate.
• Children thrive on routine. Just like you have a bedtime routine, stick to a feeding routine. Your child is less likely to be tired or fussy at mealtimes!
• Offer healthy foods. Your child soon learns these are the foods in your home and will eventually eat!