At its most basic, healthy eating simply means getting the right vitamins and nutrients that your body needs in order to keep it running properly. A healthy diet will promote a healthy body, from the inside out. The right diet will also promote more energy and even help you stay more alert and it’s good for your brain too. That’s why it is important to teach your kids about healthy eat.
Lead By Example
The number one way to raise children that have a healthy relationship with food and understand the health benefits of what they eat is to lead by example. If you eat healthily your children are more likely to do the same. Plus, you’re less likely to have a bunch of junk food in your home if you’re a healthy eater yourself.
If they see you eating ice cream and candy bars they will want them too. And telling them it isn’t good for them just isn’t going to cut it since it’s not good for you either. Some children may be gullible at times, but they aren’t stupid.
Teach Them About Food
Make vegetables the main focus in your meals, and instead of just telling your kids to each their veggies take the time to explain to them why they should. Vegetables are rich in all kinds of vitamins and nutrients that can help all different parts of your body. They’re also a low or no calorie food, making them great to substitute for snack time as well.
Teach them better choices when it comes to meat and dairy as well. Since dairy is not good for most people it may be wise to teach them about different foods rich in calcium, like broccoli. As far as meat goes, teach them how much healthier a grilled chicken breast is than a hamburger.
Take Them Grocery Shopping
Another way to ensure your children learn as much as they can about food and what is good to eat is for you to take them shopping with you. Show them how to plan meals and how to make a grocery list. Teach them the best parts of the store to shop in (around the perimeter where the freshest foods are).
You also want them to experience more than just the normal grocery shopping experience. Local farmer’s markets are a great way to get fresh foods straight from the farm, and they are usually far cheaper than the grocery store prices. This is a great place for kids to learn about how foods are grown/produced, and may even inspire them to start their own veggie garden at home.
A healthy diet is important and can actually increase your lifespan. Make sure to pass this information on to your children so they can live happy and healthy long lives.
