One of the biggest problems overweight people face is a lack of nutrition knowledge. It often starts early in life and starts bad habits that are difficult to break. At LIV Fitness in Livermore, CA, we help break those bad habits with nutritional education so you can teach your kids healthy habits as you develop them yourselves. Here are a few ways to boost your child’s knowledge that will be valuable throughout life.
Create a rainbow plate.
One of the easiest ways to help your kids develop good nutrition has been taught for years. It’s “Eat the rainbow.” Choosing a colorful plate of fruits and vegetables can increase the meal’s nutrition. Each color of fruit has different nutrients the body needs. As soon as children know colors, they can choose their food unaided and create a healthier meal. It’s also more fun. Let kids make a rainbow of food and then munch on the rainbow they created. Eat the rainbow food tasting activities can encourage this type of healthy eating.
Teach a simple explanation of the basics.
Teach simple lessons about carbohydrates, protein, and fat, identifying what goes into each macronutrient group. Instill the knowledge that eating foods from each group can help your body feel good. Protein provides the building blocks for cells. Carbohydrates provide energy. Fats are necessary for growth and the brain. Let them know that some options in each group are healthier than others.
Give a simple explanation for the benefits of each food.
When children are younger, there’s no way they want to hear the list of nutrients in broccoli or could even understand it. They can understand the caped crusader Captain Broccoli protects the body by joining the fight against germs. There are other superhero friends, like Citrus Woman who stops colds in their tracks. Protein power-builders like yogurt, poultry, or beans help children grow bigger and stronger. Professor Healthy Fat protects the brain to make children smarter since the brain is 70% fat. Keeping it simple makes good nutrition a game.
- Let children help you create the meals. Getting kids to help you make healthy meals increases the potential they’ll eat the meal.
- Don’t forget to include water as part of healthy eating. Keep bottled water or flavored water ready when the children need something to drink. Don’t stock your refrigerator with soft drinks. It’s easier to prevent starting a habit than breaking a habit.
- Have healthy snacks ready for kids. They can also make their own. Ants on a log is a favorite snack that is fun for kids to make. It takes a celery rib filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins like ants.
- Find healthy but fun ways to serve more fruits and vegetables. Making banana ice cream or fruit sorbet is both fun and healthy. Just freeze the fruit in pieces then blend it to a creamy consistency.
For more information, contact us today at LIV Fitness