By Diane Zavacky

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Healthy Eating for Kids

• By Diane Zavacky

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• With good nutrition as part of a balanced diet,
  children will grow up healthy. No matter their
  age, steps can be taken to encourage smart eating
  habits. However, the earlier it starts, the
  better.

Healthy Kids
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5 Great Ideas to Promote Healthy Habits

• Have regular family meals.
• Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.
• Be a role model by eating healthy yourself.
• Avoid battles over food.
• Involve kids in the process

Healthy Kids
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Healthy Kids
Family schedules are busier than theyve ever
been. Convenient food, i.e. fast food, is
readily available and rarely healthy or
nutritious. Here are some suggestions about how
to work the ideas into the daily routine
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Family Meals a time to catch up on everyones
day and reconnect
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Strategies for bringing the family together

• Allow your child to invite a friend to dinner.
• Involve everyone in meal planning and
  preparation.
• Keep mealtime peaceful - no lectures or arguing.
  
• Strive for nutritious food.
• Aim for a time when everyone can be there.

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Teach kids about good nutrition using the food
guide pyramid.
Healthy Kids
Log onto www.mypyramid.gov, and each family
member can calculate their daily individual needs.
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Some Basic Guidelines
Work 5 servings of fruit into the daily
routine Make it easy for your child to choose
healthy snacks Serve lean meats other good
sources of protein Choose fiber-rich whole-grain
breads cereals Limit fat intake, fast food,
sugary drinks Incorporate the 90/10 rule into
each day 90 healthy, 10 not-as-much
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How to Be a Good Role Model
Eat well yourself. Eat lots of fruits and
vegetables. Dont overindulge in less nutritious
foods. Limit portions dont overeat. Stay away
from diet discussions. Keep a positive approach
about food.
Healthy Kids
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Final Tips
Avoid battles by giving kids some control over
their food choices. Get them involved in the
meal planning, the grocery shopping, the
cooking. Let them search for recipes they want
to try.
Healthy Kids