Tips to Help Your Child Eat Healthy

Tips to Help Your Child

Eat Healthy

Don’t use snacks or treats to reward your child.
Spend a few minutes each day cutting fruit and vegetables so that they are ready to eat.
Keep white milk and water in the fridge so it is ready to drink.
When deciding on snacks and let them choose between 2 or 3 healthy options.
Make snack times part of the regular routine.
Add snack options to your grocery list, so that you always have healthy choices handy.
Bring healthy snacks with you so you aren't temped to buy less nutritious snacks when on the go.
Keep portion sizes small and scheduled (midmorning and midafternoon). It’s not a good idea to let your child graze all day.
Balance higher fat foods with lower fat foods like fruits and vegetables. When you serve higher fat choices, choose foods high in essential fats or fatsoluble vitamins such nuts, and seeds.
Avoid sticky, sweet foods such as fruit leather and dried fruit, which can stick to the teeth and cause cavities.
Offer water instead of juice. Limit juice to one serving, 125 to 175 mL (4 to 6 ounces) per day.
Encourage children to drink plain water.
Don’t forcefeed. Let your kids decide how much they want to eat.
Lead by example. Your children are more likely to try new foods if you eat them too.

Don’t use snacks or treats to reward your child.