When you imagined taking care of your kids before they were born, what did you see? You probably pictured them splashing around in the bathtub or riding a bike for the first time. Those memories are unforgettable. Yet there are plenty of other firsts to discover.
Once your kids graduate from baby food, it’s fun to show them what new stuff tastes like. Licking a lemon slice or chocolate ice cream for the first time guarantees a picture-perfect reaction. However, what happens when they don’t like something they need, like fruits and veggies?
Kids often react negatively to healthy food because they’d rather eat macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets. Transform their perspectives by learning fun ways to teach good nutrition.
If you follow the eight tips below, everyone can have a blast with healthy food.
1. Try Cooking Classes
Kids might not want to eat healthy foods because they feel like they don’t have any choice in the matter. An easy way to give them control over is to take them to cooking classes.
According to researchers, kids who attend cooking classes eat more fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber. They’re more willing to try new foods and show greater confidence in their ability to prepare meals.
2. Look at Recipes
Your first instinct may be to steam carrots and peas. However, your kids may not like the mushy results. Don’t get stuck in the mindset that there’s only one way to eat veggies.
Look at recipes with your kids online or in cookbooks. Point out pictures and ask them what looks good. Once you decide on your favorite, try making it at home. Teach your kids there’s a world of possibilities with healthy eating.
3. Hunt for Groceries
What do your kids do while you’re at the grocery store? If they beg for food they can’t have or whine about being bored, turn your shopping trip into a scavenger hunt. Every time you enter a new aisle, give them a couple of things to find. Then, start a timer. Whoever finds their items first wins.
Remember, you’re a role model when you shop. Talk to them about what foods you’re buying and why. While there, let your kids push the cart and unload groceries at the checkout to boost their motor skills.
4. Get Toy Food
Younger kids might only think of a bad taste in their mouth when they see healthy food. Get them toy food to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. As they play with toy grapes, apples and carrots, the foods will become a regular part of life. Soon, they’ll feel in charge of what they eat.
5. Buy Mini Supplies
Some cooking supplies, such as large knives, aren’t safe for young kids to use. Mini alternatives, on the other hand, are much safer. Buy things like small muffin pans or spatulas to encourage your kids to cook. When they help, it will boost their self-confidence and provide them a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they can enjoy a tasty meal.
6. Play With Presentation
Brown apple slices might turn kids away from the idea of eating healthy food. Teach them it’s okay to play with their meal, especially when it comes to stellar presentation.
The next time you make a pizza, arrange the veggie toppings in a smiley face. You can also pair celery sticks with low-fat dressings. If the food looks fun, kids will want to participate.
7. Make It an Occasion
Do you struggle to make a delicious cauliflower dish? Are you as repulsed by fruits and veggies as your kids? When possible, make new, healthy foods an occasion. Choose a local restaurant that can prepare delectable dishes.
Everyone loves to eat out. Plus, when it comes from a waiter, your kids are more likely to eat it. Later, try to recreate your favorite menu items at home. It’s easy to find copycat recipes at home.
8. Travel to a Farm
Kids who don’t enjoy healthy food might not understand what they’re eating. Teach them more by traveling to a local farm. Pick seasonal fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, to build anticipation and get your kids excited to eat at home.
As a bonus, spending time outdoors is a way to combat childhood obesity, an epidemic that affects one out of every six children in America.
9. Want to Teach Good Nutrition? Make It Interactive
Kids sit at school each day and listen to adults tell them what’s important. They don’t want more of the same once they get home, especially when it comes to dinnertime. Capture their attention and win them offer by making nutrition fun.
Try an interactive activity, like cooking classes or picking fresh fruit. You can also head to your favorite restaurant and make the lesson an occasion. Your kids will love spending time with you and trying new foods.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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