Healthier Living for Our Children

We all know how difficult it can be to get our kids to eat healthy. Our days are filled with busy mornings, followed by hectic afternoons and then dinner time finally rolls around. How can we be sure our child is eating healthy? Maybe the following ideas for healthier living will help in our rushed and chaotic lives.

Prepare fun snacks. Peel small oranges or clementines (similar to oranges) and make shapes and/or faces out of them. Cut apples into small pieces and add a dollop of peanut butter on the side. Slice up a waffle into small squares which may be not only easier but more appeasing for the child to eat. You may also want to buy those cubes of cheese and place a colorful toothpick inside. Kids are more prone to pick up small, interesting pieces of food, rather than larger ones.

No sugar added. Most kids crave sugar and a little bit every now and then, is okay. It's healthier to offer snacks that are rich in protein and nutrients, rather than sugar. Aim to buy cereal that is not loaded with sugar. When buying pop tarts, choose the low fat item instead of the regular ones. Perhaps add low sugar syrup to waffles and pancakes or choose fresh fruit as a topper rather than the syrup.

Make healthier food visible. Instead of piling the high sugar content in the pantry, spread out a better choice of food where your child can see it. Fruits and vegetables that are quick and easy may appease your child rather than climbing up the counter to see what the pantry holds. Place some orange and apples inside of a bowl on the counter. Cut up some celery and carrots and soak them in cold water in front of the refrigerator. Maybe keep low-calorie dressing handy. Some kids enjoy dipping their vegetables.

Exercise. It's so easy to forget to exercise. Most parents are exhausted and worn out from the daily chores and activities of the day. However, a brisk walk or ride on the bike at least three times a week can help your child, and you, stay fit and healthy. Maybe there is another family nearby that would want to join you in this activity. Sign your child up for some sort of sport. This will at least keep them active on certain days of the week.