How To Get Kids To Eat Healthy

Posted on May 21, 2014 | 0 comments

The Nightmare

All parents live in fear that their kids are not eating enough or the right things or are eating too much. Some are afraid to give healthy snacks because they don’t want to be the boring parent, some are afraid of the ‘fancy’ snacks but choose to give them anyway – never mind that there are enough preservatives in that bag of cheesy nachos to keep a cat alive for almost 6 years… – but it is in a pretty package and the TV shows us you will be happy if you eat them…

So what can you give to them? What do you do? I do have a secret answer… it may shock you. Are you ready for it? Here it is, in a seashell:

Our kids really just want to be like us, more than anything.

SO CHANGE YOUR OWN VIEW OF FOOD AND WAY OF EATING!!!

If carrots are exciting to you, they will be to your children too. It is our minds from all the years of advertising telling us that they are boring. Parents – I promise you, it is so easy to relearn what gives you pleasure food-wise – retrain your brain!

Here’s How:

Start to look forward to a bowl of nuts instead of a bag of some processed thing claiming to be chips! They are just as salty and crunchy!
Enjoy a bowl of strawberries instead of a handful of store bought cookies.
Try to experiment with fresh, local, preferably organic, SIMPLE foods for snacks and at mealtimes – challenge yourself to one new vegetable a week.
Try not to keep the processed snacks around – out of sight, out of mind.
Learn as much as you can about your digestive system and how it handles food.
Try a local, seasonal restaurant in your area – you will be pleasantly surprised.

Challenge yourself to something new the next time you go to a restaurant to eat. http://t.co/iuFkIcR23M #healthyeating

— Malibu Mama Loves® (@MalibuMamaLoves) October 7, 2014

I know it sounds a little strange, but it does work.

For me, it was when I watched this documentary on food in North America and how your body processes different things that prior to that film, I thought were healthy things. I then did more research and as I learned, my body, and taste-buds, responded.

Knowledge IS power!

Here are things I have done for my kids:

I chose to make all of their baby food. It is ridiculously easy and wwaaaayyy better than anything from a jar!
I noticed the things that went down the best and began using that as a snack – meaning, they naturally seemed to love carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes and all fruits so that is what I would offer when they were hungry for snacks.
I regularly ask them if their bellies are full and how what they just ate made them feel. This is helping them (and me) learn so much.
I talk to them about where the food comes from and listen to their thoughts on it. You will be surprised at how instinctively smart the kids can be, I bet you will learn something. I have from my little’s points of view.
Try to appreciate the food with them. Be grateful to have the food and say so to the kids – lots of people out there don’t have all of the wonderful, healthy options we do here in the US.

Try to enjoy all foods in moderation – meaning don’t go overboard on any one type of food. As they say ‘Variety is the spice of life!’.

Try to just enjoy the food. You can get kids to eat healthy.

Do your best not to use food as a punishment or motivator. Ok, I do think it a splendid idea to have to work at something in particular all week in order to get something like a hot fudge sundae but as a day to day reward, probably not the best route to go. Food is a necessity and probably best left to just enjoy it and be thankful for it.

Be the best example to your children that you can be.

Accept that your child will go through fazes with eating and be ok with that. Right now my daughter does not want salad, claiming it is ‘sugsting’. I continue every night to place a little bit on her plate and the rest of us all talk about how much we love the salad as we eat it. One of these days I know she will eventually snap out of it and realize she does love salad, as she used to eat it regularly!

Involve your child in as much food prep as you are comfortable with. It help makes them feel more in control, which will make them more apt to eat.

Try having them set the table.
Let them help stir something.
Involve them in the menu planning, asking them which vegetable for which dinner or letting them choose a lunch option.
Give them smaller portions.

Trust Your Own Instincts

You know your child, you know how much they normally eat before you have to start nagging them. Listen to their bodies, *always check with your pediatrician on the growth of your child and their nutrition, then give them the right portion. They will feel better when they finish without having to be prompted. And you will feel far more relaxed!

My final thoughts here that I would like you to remember? BE the example for your children. Don’t be afraid of the unprocessed snack, your kids will love it if you do. Teach them to listen to their bodies.

BALANCE. Find it. You will feel better, your children will feel better.

As I learn, I will share!

Cheers and Happy Healthy Eating!