Improving your Child’s Healthy Eating Habits: For Parents

Whether you are a childcare provider or a grandparent enjoying time with the grandchild or a tired parent juggling childcare with work, you need a few tricks to keep the children healthy. Loved ones definitely know that healthy eating habits now means a lifetime of better health, there are many ways you can use to teach children how to eat healthily. Here are a few helpful guides for parents on looking to improve your child’s eating habits.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Make sure you understand what good nutrition looks like

From low carbohydrates high fat & protein diets to raw fruits and vegetable routines, diets come in many different names. Whatever it is, as long as the diet contains a balance of proteins, healthy fats, quality carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins and minerals that support children’s growing bodies, it is a good diet. Remember that the closer the finished product is to the original source, the more nutrients it retains, i.e. Boiled potatoes versus potato chips for fiber. Minimally processed vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and natural butters & oils automatically qualify.^{1, 2} If you worried about food not covering their nutritional needs, you can consult with a pediatrician to look for complete balanced child nutrition supplement options (eg. Pediasure 3+, available in Ready to Drink liquid, no. 1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand in the USA⁶).

Don’t Ban Snacks, Know your Healthy Swaps

A common mistake parents make when trying to get their child to eat healthy is banning snacks, sweets, and treats. In reality, do not ban sweets or food types, just research and modify recipes with healthier swaps. Provide real fruit juice with pulp for fiber and nutrient retention to replace sodas and popular junk food drinks. Choose to cook with natural plant or dairy butter or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. To avoid over snacking and ruining appetite for actual meals, schedule in snack sessions and only allow it at the dinner table. Also, instead of handing your child the whole container or bag, portion it out in appropriate servings.^{3, 4}

Take the stress out of getting kids to eat healthy

Try to plan your meals 7 days’ worth at a time and set a planning date which includes grocery shopping with a list. Routine and consistency are key when it comes to building a healthy relationship with food in your children. Start their day with a hearty breakfast as it helps them maintain focus throughout the day and when it comes down to it, follow the Healthy Plate model for the other meals. Depending on your child’s age, gender, and size, the portions will differ, but the principle of the plate to consist of ½ plate of fruits and vegetables, ¼ plate of grains & starches, and ¼ plate of proteins stays the same. Once you understand your child’s hunger cues, you can take the steps to improve healthy eating habits.^{3, 5}

The nurturing skills you develop as a parent provide an excellent foundation to build upon. You control the quality of food and children build off of what they see you do. But if you are ever worried that your child’s diet is too limiting, the new and improved complete balanced child nutrition supplement Pediasure 3+ can help. PediaSure 3+ comes enhanced with Arginine, Natural Vitamin K2 in the 37 nutrients formulation to help support your child in achieving optimal growth potential.^^ And for parent’s convenience, the classic Pediasure 3+ is available in Ready to Drink liquid format in child favorite flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This is so that your child will never miss a growing moment even while snacking.

If you would like to try before going for the full course, visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up for free samples.