If you’re like most Chicago parents, you’ve found that getting your kids to eat healthy foods is something like trying to put spandex on a wet, angry cat. Don’t worry – it can be done. With a little patience and some imagination, you’re likely to find your little ones can be “tricked” into eating what’s good for them.
There are some key things you need to do to tame your little French fry monsters, however. A lot of it starts in the grocery store and even hinges on the choices you make personally.
Teach Your Kids to Want to Eat Healthy
Only buying healthy foods – What your kids eat is really a matter of what you make available. If you don’t want them to eat junk, buy fresh fruits, whole grains, healthful snacks and so on and do leave the chips behind in the grocery store.
Setting the example – Nutrition is important for you, too. Set a good example for your kids by letting them see you eat the right stuff. If they watch you enjoying a bowl of grapes or a whole grain bagel, they’re going to want to try some, too.
Getting them involved – Kids are more likely to eat healthy foods when they are involved in the creation process. Even children as young as 2 can help out in some ways in the kitchen. Cooking with kids is a great way to pique their interest in healthy foods and it’s an even better way to enjoy quality time.
Presenting things right – Kids are a little funny when it comes to the appearance of foods. If you make their healthy dishes look cool, humorous or enticing, they will dive in and at least give them a try.
Letting them help you plan meals and shop – Kids also love to get involved in this aspect of cooking. Take them to health food stores to pick out ingredients, sit down with cookbooks together and pick things to try. Have a little fun and let them guide some of the decisions. (If you go to the right stores, you don’t have to worry about them making choices that lack in nutrition.)
Healthy Snack Ideas
Do your kids come home to your Chicago apartment “starving” after a long day at school? Instead of dishing out some chips or cupcakes, try these 10 healthy snack recipes at FamilyEducation.com
- Fruit Salad and Dip
- Easy Frozen Yogurt Pops
- Hummus Dip
- Quick and Cheesy Quesadillas
- Banana Smoothie
- Marshmellow Melties
- Peanut Butter Power Balls
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Vegetable Pita Pizzas
- Healthy Sunflower Treat
Getting kids to make healthier choices when it comes to meals and snacks isn’t impossible. If you put your best foot forward, get them involved and try to be creative about presentation, you can have them enjoying healthy foods in no time at all. Just remember, you don’t have to tell them they’re eating healthy. Sometimes it’s just better that they don’t know!
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