At Red Door we know the value behind encouraging healthy eating habits in children.  That being said, we can also sympathize with parents and caregivers, after all, it’s not always easy to convince an eight-year-old that an apple is as sweet as a cookie or to get your five-year-old to realize that not all chicken nuggets are a healthy choice. So we’ve decided to focus this week’s blog on tips to promote health eating for your family. 



Tip #1: Schedule Regular Family Meals



We know in today’s fast-paced world it’s hard to get everyone at the dinner table at the same time, but we encourage you to make an effort to establish a regular meal time. Knowing dinner is served at approximately the same time every night and that the entire family will be sitting down together is comforting and enhances appetite. Children can anticipate meal time, and may be more open to eating what’s being served because they are following the example of family members.



Tip #2: Cook More Meals at Home



We know, cooking after a long day at work is not always feasible and some of the boxed dinner meals can be unhealthy for children, but cooking more meals at home will ensure you are providing your family with the nutrition they need. Restaurant and fast food meals tend to have more fat, sugar, and salt. There are some great and healthy crock pot recipes that will allow you to slow cook a meal while you are at work.  You can even make a large, healthy soup that can be eating over a couple of days.  Even if you make an effort to cook more meals at home, it’s a step in the right direction. 



Tip #3: Opt for Fruit and Veggie Snacks



Make a variety of healthy snacks available instead of empty calorie snacks. Keep plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain snacks, and healthy beverages like water and milk around and easily accessible so kids become used to reaching for healthy snacks instead of empty calorie snacks like soda, chips, or cookies.  Cubes of cheese, lean meats, and fruits are always a favorite!



Tip #4: Limit Portion Sizes



Don’t insist your child cleans his or her plate.  Let them eat till they feel full and if there some leftover that’s okay.  Never use food as a reward or bribe. 



Tip #5 Help for a Pick Eater



Picky eaters are going through a normal developmental stage, exerting control over their environment and expressing concern about trusting the unfamiliar. Rather than simply insist your child eat a new food, try offering a new food only when your child is hungry and rested.  Also, try presenting only one new food at a time so they do not feel overwhelmed.  Make it fun!  Show your child things trying new things can be exciting, cut the food into shapes or let them play with the new food.



These are just a handful to suggestions that can help your children learn healthy eating habits they can use their entire life.  We are dedicated to providing knowledge that will benefit the entire family. 

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Here’s to nutrition for our little ones!