Nanny to Mommy

Children can be notoriously picky eaters. And when they do eat, their food choices are usually sugary and unhealthy snacks. More often than not, it can also be challenging to make them eat vegetables and other nutritious food selections.

Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to be a stressful battle every mealtime, as there are things you can do to make healthy eating easier for you and your kids. And so, here are some ways to gradually incorporate nutritious foods into your children’s diet.

Battles with children at home begin when you force them to do something they don't want. Whether you have a toddler or are in their preteens, their independence is essential to them. With that in mind, start giving them choices of meals and snacks. This lets them know that they still have a say in what they can eat. On that note, consider exploring different dishes or adding other healthy snacks to the mix, so they’ll have variety.

On the other hand, it can also help to introduce them to meal planning as it can make them feel that their choices matter. You can skip the usual macaroni and cheese and give them ideas on what their plate should look like. This can be an excellent way to teach them about the different food groups and how much portion of each group they should have.

For younger kids, you could stock up on healthy food supplies that your little one enjoys. Young children have a natural curiosity in them. This means they’re likely to be more inclined to try new foods from various sources similar to Serenity Kids.

A small child could feel overwhelmed if you give them the same amount of food that you would your older child in junior high. Since giving smaller portions can be one of the first steps to introducing them to healthy foods, it’s best to encourage them to try a bite and let them decide if they like it or not.

Regarding portioning, you can ask your pediatrician for advice on the nutritional requirements you should follow for your child. But as a start, portion sizes should be what your child could finish. If they can hold utensils properly, it’s best to allow them to take the amount of food they want. Teach them to take one serving at a time. They can go back for seconds if they are still hungry.

Whether it is junk or fast food, these are typical choices that are processed, sugary and high in calories. Children usually crave these foods, but that doesn’t mean you have to take away their access to such foods. Instead, what you can do is limit the times they get to have fast food and junk food by offering healthier options such as those you can find on sites like myserenitykids.com.

Furthermore, for instance, fried chicken might be their choice for tonight’s dinner, but you can serve grilled or baked chicken the next time. There’s no oil, just flavorful meats depending on what preparation you choose to do with it. If they are accustomed to having chocolate chip cookies, you can buy wafers or graham crackers instead. You can make it more fun with some caramel dips.

While you’re mainly used to handling everything in the kitchen, why not ask your kids to help now and then? There is a high chance that your little one will eat what they help bake, cook or prepare themselves. There are a few kinds of meals that they can create themselves with your supervision.

For instance, you can try mini pizzas with crusts made from whole grains. You can instruct your kids to assemble the pizza by spreading tomato sauce, adding olives and bell peppers as toppings, and sprinkling it with cheese. You can make healthy parfaits with sliced fruits and yogurt. It can be fun for children to prepare their meals. It will also help if they have their kid-sized bowls where they can stir and mash food.

Eating family meals together can make mealtime an enjoyable experience for your child. After all, food is best shared with family members who make you feel safe and loved. Kids are also more likely to try different healthy foods when they see their parents and other family members enjoying them. If you can, try to convince your child to sit in front of the table without gadgets to encourage conversation.

It can be challenging to encourage kids to eat more healthy foods. But with the methods mentioned and consistency, your kids will be encouraged to try something new. It’s also essential to be a good example. Eat what you want them to have, set a schedule for mealtimes, and spend time with them to create a healthy environment.