Raising Healthy Kids

Raising healthy children takes time and dedication. It is important to teach children at a young age about healthy eating and living active lifestyles. Children that are taught healthy eating habits at a young age will carry these eating habits into adulthood, leading to healthier lives in the future.

Children are products of their environment and therefore absorb information from their surroundings. Adults need to set proper examples by living healthy lifestyles. Children will be more compelled to eat fruits and vegetables if their parents/caregivers eat them as well. This rule also applies to physical activity. Children being raised in a sedentary household will most likely mimic the habits of those around them. It is important to instill good habits in children so they will carry these habits throughout life.

Ways to promote healthy eating in children:

-Introduce foods from each of the food groups

-establish healthy portion sizes

-limit the amount of salt in their diet

-limit/restrict the intake of sugary drinks

-have home-cooked meals versus fast food

I happen to be a preschool teacher in South Florida and I believe strongly in raising healthy children. I incorporate nutrition into the curriculum and discuss with my students the importance of eating healthy foods. Preschool aged children are unable to comprehend the negative side affects of living an unhealthy lifestyle, therefore one must teach children of this age in a different manner. Young children can understand that some foods are ‘good’ for you body and other foods are ‘bad’ for your body. Preschool aged children are also able to understand the simple facts of the food group and, with practice, will be able to classify different foods into each group.

introducing the food groups

classifying the foods

After discussing which foods are healthy and good for the body, it is always important to incorporate a hands-on activity to enhance their understanding. There are hundreds of healthy food activity ideas to make with children. Using healthy foods as a fun activity makes kids excited and more willing to try new foods.

-Palm Tree: grapes, banana, animal crackers
-Snowmen: bananas, pretzel sticks, mini chocolate chips
-Witch fingers: mozzarella string cheese, orange bell peppers

These healthy snacks are easy to create and the children enjoyed making and eating the snacks. Using different themes such as the holidays is a great way to get the children engaged and eager to try new foods.