What Can You Do To Improve Your Child’s Eating Habits?

Cut down on drinks and snacks that are high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt and offer these options more often:

  • Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, barley
  • Lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, soy products, and eggs, instead of red meat
  • Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products or milk substitutes, like soy milk with added calcium and vitamin D, instead of whole milk or cream
  • Fruit and vegetable smoothies made with fat-free or low-fat yogurt, instead of milk shakes or ice cream
  • Low-fat milk, instead of soda and other sugary drinks
  • You can also
  • Avoid serving large portions.
  • Put healthy foods and drinks where they are easy to see and keep high-calorie foods and drinks out of sight. Best, avoid buying them.
  • Eat or order home fast food less often. If you visit a restaurant, encourage your child to choose healthier options. Lead by example.
  • Have fewer readymade meals. Cook together as a family.
  • Don’t eat in front of the television, computer, or other electronic device. You keep eating automatically because you’re distracted. You may end up overeating.