Getting children excited about eating nutritious foods can feel like an uphill battle, but with the right approach, eating healthy doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Just a little creativity and intention are all it takes to help your child develop a love for nutritious foods and start practicing healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Read on for tips on how to get your child excited about eating healthy.
Teach Them the Basics and Importance of Nutrition
Start with a conversation about why nutrition matters, explaining how it fuels their bodies, sharpens their minds and helps them grow strong. Connect it to faith by reminding them that taking care of their body is a way to honor and give thanks to God for their blessings. Then walk them through the basics of healthy eating. Talk about getting vitamins and nutrients from a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat. Don’t forget to teach them the importance of staying hydrated, explaining why they need to drink plenty of water every day.
Make Healthy Food Fun
Healthy food doesn’t always look the most appetizing to kids. That’s why you have to find ways to get creative and make it fun! Instead of handing them a regular bowl of fruits and veggies, try arranging them into fun shapes on a plate or putting them on skewers. Think about ways to make healthy foods more tasty, too. A plate of plain celery may be a tough sell, but ants on a log with peanut butter and raisins or even a simple side of ranch is a whole lot more exciting.
Ask for Their Help with Grocery Shopping
Get your child invested in their nutrition by involving them in the entire process, which starts with grocery shopping. Start by having them help you make a grocery list, ensuring they list items from every food group. Then enlist their help at the grocery store by having them cross items off the list and tell you what’s next. Ask them for help picking out fruits and vegetables, teaching them how to tell whether they’re ripe. Getting them involved in grocery shopping gives them a sense of independence and encourages them to take ownership of their nutrition. Plus, helping pick out produce can spark curiosity about where food comes from, opening the door to even more teachable moments.
Get Them Involved in the Kitchen
The same way that helping at the grocery store can motivate your child to be more mindful about the foods they choose to eat, getting hands-on in the kitchen can get them excited about what ends up on their plate. Something about knowing they played a part in what’s on the dinner table is a powerful motivator to eat healthy. Ask them to wash produce, mix ingredients, or put together their own snacks and lunches. When children feel a sense of ownership over what they eat, they tend to be more open to trying new and nutritious foods.
Lead by Example
When it comes to shaping your child’s habits, your own behavior is often your most powerful tool. Children are naturally observant and curious, and they tend to pick up the habits and behaviors they see from the adults around them. If they consistently see you making healthy choices and talking positively about nutrition, they’re likely to do the same. Lead by example in what you put on your plate and the attitude you bring to the table.
At St. Charles Borromeo, we encourage our students to form healthy habits to keep their bodies strong and their minds sharp. At our Orlando private school, located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, we’re committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to develop a love of learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by visiting our website or contacting us online.