Children and Nutrition

Many people ask me for tips on how to get their kids to eat healthier. Truth be told, I struggle with my own kids eating habits. Despite the mundane routine of proper parenting, I try and try again to instill good habits so that later in life, they automatically make wise choices. Below, are some practical and tested tips that have helped me with my own finicky children.

- Get them to try their vegetables, even if it is just one little bite every time you serve them. It is a known fact that children have thousands more taste buds than adult. Just because they didn't like yams last week, doesn't necessarily mean they won't like it next week. This will also get them used to the fact that they need to try every time.

- Don't forbid candy. Let them enjoy a small piece at a time. If you use candy as a reward, remember to use moderation. Just a few pieces of candy will suffice, especially if you want to continue rewarding them for a whole day. For example, when I potty trained my kids, I gave them 2 mini M&M's when they used the potty. Imagine had I given them a half bag of M&M's every time they peed, I'd have a kid high on sugar all day!

- Deceptively Delicious is a great mom's secret cook book. It is written by Jessica Seinfeld (as in Jerry) and teaches you how to 'hide' pureed vegetables into your recipes so the kids can't taste the veggies, but get the full benefits of their vitamins and minerals.

- Always keep snacks on hand. Kids usually don't give you much warning before they get hungry. If you can't fill their bellies now and there, they will turn into little monsters. So do your self a favor, always keep non -perishable snacks in your glove compartment and purse. Some family favorites of mine are: granola bars, raisin boxes, dried fruits, nuts and roaring waters juice boxes. Also, when you can pull something healthy out of your purse/bag, you just avoided the temptation to drive thru a fast food restaurant.

- Every now and then, I like to inform my kids of the nutritional value of what they are eating. When they eat fruits and vegetables, I remind them which vitamins the food contains and how that vitamin keeps our body healthy and strong. Soon after, when they ask for a piece of candy, I let them, but not without quickly following up with its nutritional value. When kids can compare, they have a better chance at choosing wisely.

- I feel like I keep repeating myself every day... that's because I do. Kids especially need that constant persistence. "Wash your hands, brush your teeth, eat your vegetables...." Chances are, they'll hear it enough that they will one day teach their own kids the same great healthy eating habits.

- Plain and simple. DO NOT stock your pantry with junk. Have not, want not....plain and simple.

- Water water water... offer it repeatedly. Refuse any other juices or soft drink (that ought to be illegal to feed your kids that) until they down a cup of water. Again, kids learn differently. Make them understand the basics. And basically, your pee is meant to be a light yellowish color. Teach your child to self detect if they need to drink more water by looking at the color of their pee.

These are just a few things that work for my picky eaters and me. Good luck!