Nutrition is often a neglected subject. As far as teaching eating habits we do that daily when we demonstrate our eating choices to our children. Our teachings are in what we serve daily, what we munch on, and what we give in school lunches. If they do not learn nutrition as a subject they will learn in the kitchen at home. Think about what you serve daily and what food choices your child has when she is hungry. If your child came home right now and wanted something to eat, what could you offer? Could you offer a healthy choice or just some chips or ice cream?
Most children will take some type of health class in school. They will earn the food pyramid and how calcium makes strong bones. What they will hear is enough to pass the class but what they will gleam could be that nutrition is not important. With schools offering soda and high fat options where are they to turn for a proper balance? They need to turn to you. You have the power to raise children who make proper food choices. Do you allow extra helpings of macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes if your child does not eat the proper amount of meat or vegetables? Do you offer a salad or vegetable at dinner every night?
Tips to allow your children to make healthier choices:
Always have a fridge stocked with easily accessible fruit and veggies. Keeping a fruit or veggie tray handy will help everyone make better choices.
Just say no to soda. Soda is nothing but sugar and more sugar on top of high fructose corn syrup. We all love the fizz and the taste but in all honesty it need never cross your lips. Provide an alternative like sparkling water, 100 percent juices, Sparkling Juicy Juice, or something of that nature.
Offer a vegetable at dinner: Every dinner should consist of lots of vegetables and/or a salad. Sometimes salads go over well if you choose the right dressing. Do not allow your child more starches or high fat items if vegetables are not eaten.