 come around. I have young nieces who have learned that when they come over for dinner they get healthy food. They don't get any of the junky food they get in their own home but have learned to ask for fruit for dessert instead of cake and don't complain about it. They want to come for dinner to see what kind of healthy food we will be having…they are curious. Kids want to learn from us!
2. Make it fun
My 6 year old daughter loves fruit salad because we have a silly song about it. She loves to pick the different fruits we put in it and helps to put the ingredients together. It is a fun, special time we spend together and the whole family gets involved. Kids love to help and making it fun just attaches the positive emotions to the whole event.
3. Only give your child healthy choices
This makes a child feel like they are in control of their food choices. They feel empowered and good about making a decision for themselves. Once in a while we do have candy or cookies in the house (holidays are great for that kind of stuff!) but there isn't an obsessive focus on these foods. They last for a long time because my daughter knows that it is a once in a while small treat.
Here are some ideas for healthy snacking:
Apples with peanut or almond butter
String cheese/ cottage cheese
Mini pizzas made with whole grain English muffins, sauce, cheese, tomatoe and basil
Celery with cream cheese or peanut butter
Frozen grapes or blueberries
Whole grain crackers
Popcorn (put ¼ cup in a paper bag, fold top 2-3 times so it won't open, and microwave…you very own microwave popcorn without all the added ingredients!)
Dried fruit, trail mix (this is fun to make yourself!)
Hard boiled eggs
Apple sauce (very easy to make yourself)
Sliced avocado on crackers
Have fun, be creative…
More About Nutrition:
Lisa Metzgar, PhD
Lisa Metzgar, PhD, has been in the alternative health field since 1996.
She received her BA in Biology from UCSD, is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and received her PhD in Holistic Nutrition. Lisa has taught body mind retreats in San Diego, Seattle, and Australia and currently has a practice in Reno, NV where she does nutritional counseling. Lisa's passion is to educate families in a healthy lifestyle. Email her at lisa (at) conceptsinwellness.com
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