8 tips on introducing healthy foods to kids

Are you having trouble feeding your child vegetables? Read this mom’s tips and tricks on teaching healthy eating to children.

In this article you will read:

• Mama Lynne’s tips on how to feed your child healthily

• How choice, creativity and persistence help teach children about healthy eating

I attended a family reunion not long ago and they were all impressed with my son and daughter filling their plates with everything on the buffet table including those that only had older and more discerning taste buds like onions, vegetables , and seafood. What’s my secret

Tips for introducing healthy eating to children

One of the most common complaints from mothers I know is how picky their child is about food. I share with you my strategies for introducing different types of healthy food to my children:

1. Eat what you eat.

My children eat what we eat at home. We don’t have a children’s menu for lunch or dinner, we all eat the same dishes. If you want your children to eat vegetables then you need to show them that you are going to eat your broccoli and carrots with them. Children are great imitators. You need to lead by example and eat your vegetables too.

2. Plan ahead.

Put together a weekly menu so you know what to prepare each day for the whole week. Make sure your children always eat vegetables and fruits and are getting proper nutrition. That way, if you run out of food, don’t panic and call the pizza delivery man.

Introducing healthy food to children

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3. Make it bite-sized.

My kids love to eat fruit for snacks like apples, grapes, mangoes, guavas, and seasonal fruits like pomelo, nectarine, kiwi, and plum. The trick is, you have to cut them into bite-sized pieces and keep them in the refrigerator so that they can eat them when they’re hungry.

If the plan doesn’t work, Plan B is to sprinkle a pinch of rock salt to make it tastier (it works all the time!).

Here’s another trick, my husband and I eat fruit without offering it, sooner or later out of curiosity they will swarm around us and try to try the fruit we eat.

The story goes on

4. Let her help out in the kitchen.

Children learn a lot when they work in the kitchen. You can see firsthand what the vegetables look like uncooked. Let them smell the fruits, hold the vegetables, and have them cut and chop the vegetables to develop their fine motor skills. The smell of all kinds of herbs and spices awakens the senses and best of all, you can also discover which tastes they are more prone to.

CONTINUE READING:

Introducing healthy food to children

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5. Give them a choice (or at least make them believe it).

My children have to eat what we make for them, but they also hate it when they are forced to. So I let them choose from my given choices. Never let them believe they have a third option.

Note: All adults must work as a team, you are up against a tough opponent. An adorable look or an eyelash and yaya could fry the canned sausages and spam.

Stick to the plan! Don’t get drawn into their hypnotic gaze. Avoid eye contact if you have to. Do not let the children destroy the foundation you painstakingly built.

6. Make it colorful.

Color makes you happy. Decorate the plate, add some color and be creative in serving the dishes. Presentation is the key.

7. When all else fails, unleash your secret weapons or secret sauces.

My son hates bola-bola (meatballs) when he was just 2 years old. But believe it or not, he now eats them with love and enjoyment. Here are my best bets: homemade honey mustard sauce, Japanese sukiyaki sauces, Ma Hu or pork silk and of course the always reliable banana ketchup.

8. Be consistent.

Junk food, processed meat, and sweet confectionery are highly addicting, but they are also later linked to health problems. If you don’t buy trash, you won’t be eating trash.

Be patient, be creative, and be consistent. It just takes a pop of color, a pinch of love and your kids will be enjoying healthy food in no time. Good luck!

Introducing healthy food to children

Image courtesy of the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynne Luakian is the mother behind @perfectmommyproject. On her blog, she shares valuable lessons learned along the way, parenting hacks, product reviews, and good mom finds. She loves filling her pages with laughter, moments that are important, attracting positive vibes and spreading love.

Picky Eaters Decoded: 8 Tips for Introducing Healthy Foods for Children first appeared on theAsianparent Philippines: Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids.

source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/8-tips-on-introducing-healthy-foods-to-kids/