FOOD CHOICE

It’s important for children to have a healthy lifestyle starting at a young age. We as moms play an essential role in helping shape children's eating habits. I grew up in the era that we had the three home cooked meals (as u guessed a stay home mom) I was blessed to have that.
So, as my Kids grew up they didn't always get to choose what they wanted. I was already trained by my mom of food choices. As I was training them I would trick them by putting honey in their oatmeal rather than sugar. I am a believer in alternatives.
I want to share a few tips that may be a blessing to you.

Try these simple tips to help your children eat well and learn to enjoy nutritious foods.
Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods instead of what not to eat.Since most children are not getting enough of the key nutrients they need, teaching them to choose nutrient-rich foods is more important than ever.

Watch this:
Brightly colored fruits and 100% fruit juice
Dark colored vegetables
Whole, and fiber-rich grain foods
Low fat and fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt
Lean meats, skinless poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts.
With all the behavior problems that stem in children today (because of food related habits) this will be a benefit for them.
Believe it or not all of these choices above today are my favorite choices!
. Watch this:

A smoothie made with berries and low-fat yogurt has more fat and calories than a diet soda and baked chips; But it is far better for kids because it has many beneficial nutrients they need for growth and health. We must always think health. This smoothie is full of nutrient-rich, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. Here's the hard part,
Set a good example. (I know girls this is not always easy 2 do.)Children are better equipped to make better choices if they see you choosing nutrient-rich foods, such as colorful fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt, and whole grains.
Make your children a part of this. Let them shop with you and do alternative foods. Also things done in moderation are fine!Let kids know that all foods fit into a healthful diet — there are no "good" or "bad" foods. The key is moderation.(That is my favorite word)

Be positive! Help to avoid the stress and guilt that can lead to eating disorders and poorer eating patterns as children get older.

Set expectations.It's easier for children to make healthy food choices when they know the family's "nutrition rules of the road." For example:
Everyone in the family starts the day with breakfast. Milk is the beverage served at dinner. Anyway this is the way I grew up!

Cook together. Children are more likely to get excited about healthful eating when they help with meal planning and preparation. Ask 4 their help when you make soups, salads and pasta sauces. (I taught my son to do pasta sauce @ the age of twelve.

Allow them to add a personal touch to their food they make...
Shop together. (If possible)Shop for healthy foods from the perimeter of the supermarket.
Help children choose one or two of their favorite nutrient-rich snacks to pack for snack time or eat after school.

Talk to your kids about smart food choices and how important they are for learning and doing well in school, playing for fun and sports, and feeling good and staying healthy. This makes them want to do better.
Even if it's a fast food restaurant, convenience store or vending machine, encourage them to find options, such as flavored milk or a smoothie instead of soda, or pretzels instead of chips.
Make good nutrition available....Fill the kitchen with healthy foods that are ready to eat: colorful fruits and cut-up fresh vegetables;
Low-fat plain and flavored milk, cheese and yogurt; and whole-grain snacks instead of high-fat, high-sugar snacks. Remind kids that these foods are there for the asking.
Make mealtime family time.

Make family mealtime a priority. It can be at any meal, not just dinner. Family meals promote good eating habits. As I was raising our children we always ate around the table. (Teen yrs. were a bit difficult.)

Involve your kids in the planning and preparing, too. It helps them learn that mealtime is important family time.

Encourage kids to healthy foods in the school. Or, pack a healthful lunch at home if you have the time. Well, girls I hope this was helpful to you!

Smooches,
P. Gloria