Maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge for both kids and adults. Every day we see commercials for junk food, there’s a fast-food restaurant on almost every corner, and the aisles of the grocery store are packed with processed foods full of sugar and empty calories. Despite these challenges, it is possible to help your kids stay healthy and avoid the illnesses that can come from a poor diet by following these pediatrician-approved tips. 

How to Help Your Kids Make Healthy Food Choices 

1. Be a Good Role Model

Encourage your kids to eat mostly healthy foods by eating a balanced, healthy diet yourself. It’s hard to convince your kids to snack on broccoli and carrots if you’re eating chips.

It’s also important to model a healthy relationship with food. Don’t discuss how many calories are in a dish, or how you expect it to go right to your hips. Obsessively worrying about your weight or appearance can lead them to make negative associations with food.

2. Make Snacking Easy 

Kids love snacks, and there’s nothing wrong with a light snack in between meals to ward off hunger. However, many pre-packaged snacks like granola bars or fruit snacks are high in sugar and don't offer much nutritional value. Keep the fridge and pantry stocked with snacks that are high in protein and fiber that will help keep your kids stay full longer and provide a boost of vitamins. Pediatricians recommend keeping hard-boiled eggs, pre-cut fruits and veggies, nuts, cheese, and whole-grain crackers on hand for quick and healthy snacks. 

3. Don’t Forbid Foods

Banning specific foods will pique your kids’ curiosity about them and spur them to overeat “forbidden” foods whenever they get the chance. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional cookie or ice cream as a treat when your diet is healthy most of the time. The key is to enjoy less healthy foods in moderation.

Pediatricians also advise against using food as a reward or promising dessert or sugary treats in exchange for eating everything on their plate. Both set up an unhealthy relationship with food that can last well into adulthood. 

If you’re struggling to get your kids to develop healthy eating habits, turn to Leitchfield Pediatrics in Leitchfield, KY.  Since 1976 the pediatricians at this clinic have helped parents keep their kids healthy with quality, kid-friendly pediatric care. They provide everything from general wellness exams to treatment for chronic illnesses, including asthma, juvenile diabetes, and ADHD, and medical emergencies. For more information about their services, call (270) 259-5641 or visit their website.