Getting Kids to Eat Healthy: Even More Ideas!

Another obstacle that parents find is getting their child to eat food that is healthy. As mentioned earlier, if there are a lot of options a child will eventually work out on their own what they like and don’t like. We would like to add to that that we think that if a parent only supplies healthy options there should be no problem for a child to like them. For example, buy large bags of carrots, apples, fruit cups, raisins, etc and have those sitting around and available instead of candy or chips. Another big part of getting kids to explore certain food options is to make it something they can interact with. For example, providing options where the child is able to make themselves a dish or use their imagination in creating will make healthy options fun. Here are some ideas to try with a child that would make healthy food fun!

• Ants on a Log: this is a classic for a reason. Celery stalks, peanut butter, and raisins. Let the kids build them on their own and they will enjoy eating it that much more, not even realizing the health benefits.
• Pizza Tortilla Chips: a healthier option to pizza is to make mini pizzas on tortilla chips. This recipe can be altered to anyone’s preference. Just provide healthy options such as shredded cheese, salsa, shredded leftover chicken or sausage, onions, or olives and let the imaginations run wild!
• Homemade Parfait: this can be made also depending upon the kids taste variation. Frozen or dried fruit can be put on top of yogurt. If one wants to get more creative you can supply different types of cereal to put on top (ex: Honey bunches of Oats or Cheerios). Some people like to add honey, others graham crackers… all up to personal preference.

Again, kids love to explore so the best a parent can do is to provide healthy food and allow the child to do the rest and figure out what they want. If you want there are always websites that have tons of fun, creative snack options to show your kids to get their creative juices flowing. My personal favorite is the banana dog (peanut butter and banana sandwich made to look like a hot dog).

References:

http://recipes.kaboose.com/afternoon-snacks.html

http://www.momswhothink.com/kids-recipe/kids-recipes-a-to-z.html

Healthy Eatings!

 -Anth249 H