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Be a healthy example for your kids

Be an example for your kids eating habits.

One of the best parts of having children is watching them mirror everything you do. It's definitely one of the joys associated with being parent.  It doesn't matter if you're walking, doing your hair, the way you sit when you watch television, at one time or another they will notice.  You have to be an example for them when it comes to eating habits as well.

In a fast paced world it's real easy to forget and instead hit the fast food restaurants loading up with all kinds of trans fat.  Now, you aren't going to be able to do this 100% of the time, but it would be nice if you could right?  So below we threw together a few tips, tricks, and methods that will help you along the way.  Even if you've never thought about how important this is until now.

The routine

Almost everyone loves a good routine but having one before you eat dinner is very important in your child's future.  Even something as little as washing your hands before handling or eating food can go a long way.  Then of course sitting down with your family every day at a certain time is crucial to their outlook of a daily plan as they get older.  It's a good way to start a routine, you just have to make sure you stick with it.

Once that is set into place then it's time to move onto the food.  To give your children a real sense of self-worth, take them shopping with you to the grocery.  Taking a ride or walk through the produce section can teach them a lot about a person's overall health.  Don't be afraid to let them help with dinner.  You would be surprised how exhilarating that time spent together can be for all of you.

When the food is ready and everyone sits down to eat, remember, your children will be watching.  So cut and chew your food as you would teach them to do.  If you are chewing slow, so will they.  Cutting in a specific direction?  They will as well, but most likely after they've tried every other way their minds can think of doing.  However, the chewing part is extremely important for their digestive system.

Children learn by imitation, so lead by example. First, kids love to do as parents do and it will be so much easier to teach them to choose healthy options if they see you. Second, kids are not easily fooled and healthy eating habits will not last if they see you doing just the opposite.

The discussion

We all eat outside of our three meals a day and at some point, you need to have a little talk about it with your kids.  Everyone tells you to substitute carrot sticks and 100% juice for chips and soda, right?  Well, we're going to do the same.  You should also discuss the moderation levels of sweets of any kind and make sure this one is repeated upon as the years go by.  

Doing all this will not only give your children the head start they need in daily life but will also keep the family life more like a family.  It's so important to eat together, and if by chance they notice you don't eat "everything all gone," don't be afraid to tell them why.  Listen, when it's all said and done they don't have to like everything, but giving them a variety of food to choose from will help both of you in the long run.

How to be an example for your kids eating habits

And here there are some suggestions about how to go about it. You don't need to implement all of them at once. Just choose one and focus on that single idea until it is working to your satisfaction, only then go for the next.

  • Kids learn by watching what adults do, your example is a priceless teaching tool.
  • Include a variety of foods on your plate.
  • If you leave something off your plate talk about why, let them know its okay to not always like certain foods or if you're allergic discuss that as well.
  • Avoid junk foods like chips and soda and opt for healthy snacks like carrot sticks and 100% juice.
  • Shop together, shopping is part of food preparation and a child can learn a lot in the produce section.
  • Always wash your hands before handling food, and encourage your child to do the same.
  • When having sweets and treats like ice cream talk about moderation and portion sizes and not over eating, count scoops into the bowl, etc.
  • Avoid eating during television programs or in front of the television
  • drink plenty of water each day.
  • Have regular meals each day, if you skip lunch your child is likely to do the same.
  • Take your time and chew your food, often adults are in a hurry and kids pick up on this habit as well.