Good eating habits start early. As child care providers, Ebenezer’s four child care locations are committed to helping the children in our care eat right and develop healthy eating habits. More importantly, as parent you are a role model to reinforce positive healthy eating habits and ensure your child continues to eat healthy food. But it’s not always as easy as it seems.
You’re probably aware that many school-aged children are not eating enough healthy foods and are not getting the recommended amounts of certain food groups, including vegetables, fruits, and dairy. As a result, they may not be consuming the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies.
“School-age children can be challenging because they are becoming more independent and may start eating more meals away from the family,” says Amy Reed, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson. “Take advantage of the time you are with them and include them in planning and preparing meals. Include the foods that they are less likely to choose when they are away from you, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.”
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its Foundation say parents and caregivers play a significant role in children’s nutrition and health by teaching kids about healthful foods, being good role models and making sure physical activity is incorporated into each day.
How Do I Get My Child to Eat Healthy?
The Academy and its Foundation celebrate Kids Eat Right Month® in August, which is a perfect time to reevaluate your family’s eating and physical activity habits and take the following steps to make positive, healthful changes:
Shop Smart. To encourage healthful eating, get your children involved in selecting foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which will appear at the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table. Plan your meals and create a shopping list before you go to the store.
Cook Healthy. Involve your child in the preparation of meals with age-appropriate tasks. They will learn about food and may even be curious enough to try new foods they helped prepare.
Eat Together. Gather around the table as a family to enjoy a wonderful meal and the opportunity to share the day’s experiences with one another. Family meals encourage healthy family relationships and good eating habits. Ebenezer’s intergeneration connections provide opportunities for children and adults to share experiences at meals and snacks.
Create Healthful Habits. Serve as a role model to help your kids develop healthful habits. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and divide the rest of your plate to include a grain, especially a type of whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta and a lean protein such as cooked beans or grilled chicken. For beverages, children older than two should drink water along with low-fat or fat-free milk. Drinks and foods with added sugars should be avoided in children younger than two and limited for older children. Serve calcium-rich foods with meals and snacks, such as low-fat yogurt, cheese, or fortified soy versions.
Get Moving. Aside from being a terrific way to spend time together, regular physical activity is vital to strengthen muscle and bones, promote a healthy body weight, develop social skills, and build self-esteem. Preschool children are encouraged to be active throughout the day, and older children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 should have at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2nd ed.).
Get Talking. Eating nutritious foods can sometimes be a challenge for kids, particularly if they are picky eaters, but experts say that a conversation can help. Talk to your children about the foods they enjoy and introduce them to new foods from a variety of cultures to expand all of your horizons.
Learn more at eatright.org/for-kids or consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area by visiting “Find a Nutrition Expert” at eatright.org/find-a-nutrition-expert.
Feel free to contact your Ebenezer Corporate Registered Dietitian Rebecca Kapsen, MS, RDN, LDN @ Becca.Kapsen@fairview.org