You Can Get Your Child to Eat Healthy, It Just Takes Work!

I was watching the news last night and saw a piece on how cartoon characters directly effect what our kids want to eat.  For example, Tony the tiger, or SpongeBob are on boxes and packaging.  If you have young kids, you know how true this is.  It is amazing what a character will do to your kids thinking of what is healthy to eat!  My question is this…WHY have healthier food companies not jumped on this bandwagon?  Why not have pictures of Dora on a box of healthier cereal, bars, or fruit and veggie stickers?!?  I am SURE this has a lot to do with franchise fees, legal issues, and rights of characters.  But my thought is a good one (at least I think!!).  I few months back, I was in the store with my 5 year old, and we were buying bananas.  He took the bananas out of the cart and put them back and picked up another bunch and said, “I want this bunch instead”.  WELL…wouldn’t you know it, there was a sticker of the RIO birds on it from the movie.  That was all it took for him to want that specific batch of bananas!!!  But until all healthy foods can “trick” out kids, (haha) how can WE get our kiddos to eat healthier??

Sorry mammas, it begins with YOU.  If you have junk in the house, that is what they will eat.  If you buy it, that is what they will eat.  I hate when I hear, “Well, my kids will ONLY eat that!!!”  LIES!!  You have to work at it, if bad habits have been introduced.  Now, don’t get me wrong, treats are ok!!  But its when our kids are constantly eating bad, unhealthy foods is when we run into problems, such at obesity, diabetes, ADHD, some behavioral problems, etc.    So if you are having trouble getting your kids to eat healthy, be strong, and don’t give into them, remember you are the boss!!  Start with minor changes, and do not overwhelm them.  One thing at a time.  Baby steps!! 

1. Make a list of things you want to change about your kids eating habits.  BE HONEST.  When you see it on paper, you are more likely to follow up with it and prioritize. 
2. Clean your cabinets and get rid of the bad stuff.  Remember, if its not there, they will not eat it!!  Make a list of their fave junk, and then try and find healthy alternatives.  For example, Juice??  Try making flavored water with them.  Involve them!!  Or try a smoothie!!  Have them pick out what flavor fruit they would like to use and they can actually help you make it!!  Involving them in cooking and creating fun healthy foods will also help.
3. Try a new healthy recipe a week.  But make it simple to start out.  For example, create your own cereal/healthy bar.  (I can send you a great recipe if you want!!)  Or try a new smoothie each week.  I like to collect new healthy recipes, and keep them in a basket on my counter.  So when I need something, we go to the basket and pick something new instead of scrambling to find something.
4. Jazz up foods!!  Smiley faces on waffles with strawberries or blueberries are always a hit in my house!!  We also make homemade pancakes and I “hide” good stuff in the recipe! 
5. Introduce a better VITAMIN!!  Gummies do not count!!!  If you are interested in learning more about vitamins, you can also contact me directly. 
6. Talk to your kids about eating healthy.  They WILL get it.  You just have to be patient, and keep trying.  Pick up a kids book about fruits and veggies at your local bookstore and read together!!  Create this healthy lifestyle together!!
7. Remember, you are their mentor!  If you buy soda and junk and eat it, they will think its ok too!!!  Work as a team.
8. Last one!  Hit the farmers markets and local orchards together!  We went peach picking yesterday, an annual family outing since the birth of my first.  They LOVE it and I think my 4 year old has ate about 8 peaches since yesterday afternoon!!  AH!  They had a blast and they eat the fun!!  Simple and easy…you can do it!

If you are just getting into the feeding stage with your kids, you have it made!  Begin your child’s life by introducing healthy foods right away.  Now as we said before, they will have junk here and there, they will have treats, and I think that is ok.  As long as it is not a part of their everyday lifestyle.  Healthy food options only in the house and begin creating those healthy family recipes now!! 

It is not easy with all the pressure in our society today about food, characters on boxes, and what the other kids are eating.  But instilling healthy eating habits at a young age can and WILL make a difference in your child’s life, I PROMISE.