Every family needs a Good Nutrition Leader to talk-up and set an example for everyone to eat well, including the kids.
There’s no doubt about it — family nutrition is a very important part of kid’s lives. But, many moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas struggle with creating the kind of environment and mindset that helps kids succeed with good nutrition. Here are 10 ways that adults can lead their kids to high quality food choices and habits and all the benefits these will bring.
10 Ways to be a Good Nutrition Leader with Kids
- Believe in good nutrition yourself.
- Talk about good nutrition each and every day.
- Lead by example with your healthy foods and drinks.
- Observe kids who are eating healthy foods and say something positive.
- Congratulate kids who eat one or more healthy foods.
- Ask reluctant kids what is one healthy food they like to eat.
- Ask kids to name 5 food groups: fruit, veggies, dairy foods, grains, protein.
- Ask kids what healthy foods they can put into the family grocery cart.
- Ask kids what they like to cook that includes healthy food ingredients.
- Make good nutrition creative and fun.
3 Ways a Good Nutrition Leader can Set a Good Example
When the family’s Good Nutrition Leader is a true believer in good nutrition, then 80% or more of their meal plates speak loudly to everyone at the table, including the kids. The snacking trend is as strong as ever and yet a tasty and well-balanced family meal at home is the strongest example a Nutrition Leader can give to their loved ones. Here are a few examples:
Meatless Monday: Macaroni and Cheese + Colorful Tossed Salad + Steamed Peas or Broccoli + Apple slices.
Here’s a super easy and tasty Mac and Cheese Recipe from my earlier blog.
Taco Tuesday: Browned lean ground beef + Whole wheat flour tacos or Corn tortillas + Chopped onions/tomatoes/lettuce + Salsa + Shredded cheddar cheese + Grapes.
Tip: Buy 97/3 for the leanest ground beef at your grocery store.
Wacky Wednesday (hump day:) Baked or Grilled chicken + Corn on the cob + Steamed green beans + Yogurt and Fruit Dessert Parfait.
Here’s a fun and tasty Yogurt and Fruit Dessert Parfait Recipe from my earlier blog.
More Details about Family Nutrition Strategies for Fall
Here’s a bit more detail for family nutrition success with 3 Nutrition Strategies for a Less Hectic Fall. It’s sound advice we all need and I tackled it in an earlier blog.
It’s Not Easy Being Your Family’s Good Nutrition Leader
If you’re looking for an easy path, then being a Good Nutrition Leader isn’t it. In fact, taking on this role with your family is super hard. But, please don’t let that stop you because it is truly worthwhile in your own life as well as everyone in the family, including the kids. Good nutrition is about feeling better, staying out of the doctor’s office, spending less money on your food budget – groceries plus restaurant meals, – and, perhaps most importantly, teaching your family to appreciate and crave healthy food, forever. So, dig in your heels and stand firm in your Good Nutrition Leader mission because you will never regret it. For a strong start, my free Easy Mediterranean Menus and Recipes are waiting for you – now.