Healthy Eating is Fun-Getting Kids to Eat Healthier

Julie Batulevitz, RD preparing for the "Healthy Eating is Fun" booth

Healthy Eating is Fun was the theme for the AQLife booth at this year’s MROF Lemon Run event September 25, 2011 at Miramar Lake.  The event raised money for childhood cancer research.  

 Registered Dietitian Julie Batulevitz promoted healthy eating by showing the kids a fun way to eat their fruits and veggies.  She had them make Funny Face Sandwiches using the fruits and veggies they like.  

Here are other tips Julie promoted:  

Have regular family meals
Knowing dinner is served at approximately the same time every night and that the entire family will be sitting down together is comforting and enhances appetite. Breakfast is another great time for a family meal, especially since kids who eat tend to do better in school.  

Cook more meals at home
Eating home cooked meals is healthier for the whole family and sets a great example for kids about the importance of food. Restaurant meals tend to have more fat, sugar, and salt. Save dining out for special occasions.  

Get kids involved
Children enjoy helping adults grocery shop, selecting what goes in their lunch box, and preparing dinner. It’s also a chance for you to teach them about the nutritional values of different foods, and (for older children) how to read food labels.  

Make a variety of healthy snacks available
Instead of empty calorie snacks keep plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain snacks, and healthy beverages (water, milk, pure fruit juice) around. Keep them easily accessible so kids become used to reaching for healthy snacks instead of empty calorie snacks like soda, chips, or cookies.  

Making a Healthy Funny Face Sandwich at the AQLife "Healthy Eating is Fun" booth. September 2011, MROF Lemon Run

Limit portion sizes
Don’t insist your child clean the plate, and never use food as a reward or bribe.