Preschoolers need nutrients to provide energy, promote growth of body tissues, and regulate body functions. That’s why it is important to encourage healthy eating habits in children when they are young. Preschool parents who are looking to teach kids to make healthy food choices can try these no nonsense tips.
Model Healthy Eating Habits
Parents are the primary influence in the lives of young children. If their eating habits are less than stellar, it will have a negative affect on children’s food choices later in life. Demonstrate to kids the importance of a well-balanced diet by keeping your food choices healthy.
Let Preschoolers Take an Active Role in Their Nutrition
Allow young kids to help with menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. They can push the shopping buggy, reach for items on low shelves, wash lettuce, peel bananas, and add ingredients to foods. Being actively involved teaches youngsters the importance of a healthy diet. Kids will also appreciate that you value their opinions enough to let them assist when making healthy food choices.
Have a Wide Variety of Nutritious Fruits and Vegetables Available
When preschoolers get hungry between meals, have fresh fruits and vegetables readily available for them to eat. This will help meet kids' nutritional needs and make them less likely to reach for less nutritious food options.
Follow the USDA Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a food guide pyramid that is appropriate for children ages two to six. The USDA recommends that healthy foods for children should include:
- Breads, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta Group (six servings)
- Vegetable Group (three servings)
- Fruit Group (two servings)
- Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group (two servings)
- Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, and Eggs Group (two servings)
- Fats, Oils, and Sweets Group (use sparingly)
Limit Fast Food Intake
Fast food restaurants are quick, convenient, and easy to access; but they are not good for a preschooler’s health. These restaurants serve fatty foods that have little or no nutritional value. So to encourage healthy eating habits in children, keep fast food joints trips to a minimum.
By being a good role model, involving children in meal preparation, having nutritious foods readily available, following the USDA guidelines, and staying away from fast food, kids will quickly learn how to make healthier food choices for life.
For more information about nutrition in young children read Feeding Your Child for Lifelong Health: Birth Through Age Six by Susan Roberts and Melvin B. Heyman
Charlina Stewart - Charlina has dedicated more than a decade of her life making a positive difference in the lives of children. During her time as an early ...
