Obesity in America is growing. Unfortunately, it is affecting our children. We need to teach our children how to eat healthy. Good diets for kids are essential in paving the way for them to be healthy adults. Furthermore, it will also enable them to carry on this lifestyle of healthy eating with their own children. Thus, this will help to reduce the obesity epidemic.
It is always fun to give your kids junk food because it makes them smile. You show them a candy bar or a cookie, and they run to you with a big smile on their faces. However, these types of food are only good in moderation. Good diets for kids include a well-balanced array of foods that also pleases the palette.
Teaching children to eat a healthy breakfast is a good place to start. Scrap the pop tarts and sugary cereal and opt for oatmeal or whole grain blueberry waffles. Change high fat milk to at least 2% milk the nutritional value is still the same. Pancakes can also be an acceptable breakfast with a little tweaking. For example, throw a little cinnamon (an antioxidant) into the mix, it enhances the flavor and kids will only know what you teach them. Not putting butter on pancakes eliminates the fat without skimping on taste.
Lunch can be tricky. It is easy to throw some sodium-filled canned product into the microwave and serve. However, there are healthier alternatives – peanut butter and jelly is acceptable. Buy the low-sugar jelly and watch peanut butter portions. Be sure to serve on whole wheat bread. Apple slices or orange slices on the side will fill any sweet tooth. Drinks should be limited to water, milk, and juice that have no extra sugar added. There are actually brands out there that make these delicious and healthy drinks.
Finally, dinner is the family meal that is packed with opportunity for good diets for kids. Balance the meal with white organic meats, vegetables, and a starch. Remember to eliminate butter when possible. If you must have butter, use the spray kind that gives the same taste without the calories and fat. Furthermore, watch portion sizes. Teach children to take their time eating. Most importantly, fruit is a dessert. There are beautiful choices of sweet-tasting gorgeous fruits out there. Experiment and keep trying. Kids will learn to adapt and love fruits as a dessert.
Teaching kids to eat healthy is our responsibility. Give them choices they will enjoy and model good eating habits yourself!