Healthy Eating With Kids can be a challenge, especially when you have picky eaters on hand. Here are 6 easy tips for getting your kids eating better. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Alexia.
Do you have any picky eaters in your family? I know we do! It can be hard work to keep everyone in the family eating as healthily as possible, especially after the holidays. With all of the hustle and bustle, it’s very easy for us to forget about our healthy eating habits. When you’re surrounded by tempting holiday treats for weeks on end, it can be quite a distraction.
Once the holidays are past, I really try my best to get everyone back on track as quickly as possible. I find that the best way to do this is to plan out our family dinners way in advance. When I have everything on hand before I start making dinner, it ensures a stress-free, enjoyable atmosphere before our meal.
In our family, we also try to make sure that everyone eats the same meal at the same time, but with our picky eaters, that can be a challenge. After working all day, shuttling the kids to after school practices, and finishing up homework, making 3 different dinners is the last thing I want to do. So in order to make sure that each family member has a nutritious dinner, I like to build options into each meal plan.
For example. if I decide that Wednesdays are going to be “Burger Night,” I make sure that I have several different burger options. Not everyone likes traditional beef burgers, so I also have veggie and chicken burgers on hand too. Then I pick a side that I know everyone can agree on, like Alexia Smart Classics Roasted Crinkle Cut fries, which are 98% fat-free and 100 calories per serving, and two different vegetable or fruit options.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you plan your meals out ahead of time, I find that it often makes mealtime prep go much faster. As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to get everyone back on track after the holidays so I’ve written down six easy tips for helping your family make healthier food choices in the New Year.
6 TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING WITH KIDS
1.) Parents first!
When introducing new food, our kids see my husband and I eating it first. For example, if we want our kids to try brussels sprouts, I serve them to us a week or two before I try to serve it to them. This way they can see us enjoying it while they try their “safe” vegetable like corn, carrots, or peas – and when I offer it to them next time, they feel more comfortable trying it.
2.) Offer variety!
When making dinner, let your kids have options. Instead of just ground beef burgers, try making smaller versions of something else. Turkey, chicken, veggie and even fish all make awesome burgers. When kids feel in control, they will be much more comfortable trying new food.
3.) Let them dip!
Kids love dipping sauces. But go beyond ketchup and try serving homemade yogurt dip, ranch dressing, mild salsa, or even a white bean dip. If you provide them with a platter of veggies, fruit and cheese they can easily explore new flavors.
4.) Vote on it!
I have found that if I encourage my children to have a say in what we eat, they are much more willing to accept change. As a mom, I know it can be hard for them to give up an unhealthy treat, but by supporting them in their decisions and helping them pick a healthier option, we all win.
5.) Start small!
Any change is good change. You may be tempted to purge your pantry of all unhealthy snacks, but in order for healthy choices to stick, you should start small. By offering better, healthier options for your family, you will start to see what kinds of healthy snacks they are happy eating. If you have a child that loves guacamole and chips, try adding in carrots or another crunchy vegetable that you know they like. Even cutting down the amount of the less healthy option is a step in the right direction.
6.) Reward them!
Getting healthy should be fun. We like to have a rewards chart in our homes. Anytime one of our kids tries a new food, they can earn a star on their rewards chart. They love seeing their stars add up and once their chart is full, they get to choose a fun family activity that we can all do together.
We hope our tips help you and your family get back on track in the New Year!
Thanks for reading,
Daniele
P.S. Alexia Foods offers frozen potatoes, appetizers, breads and side dishes with minimal, but distinctive, real ingredients that serve-up exceptional Farm to Flavor taste–right in your kitchen. For more from recipes, tips and inspiration from Alexia online, check out AlexiaFoods.com!
