Healthy eating habits start when children are young.
Here are a few simple reminders from the Youth Fitness Guy, who likes to keep things simple because simple works.
- Make the time to get your kids involved in the process as early as possible including the planning, shopping, preparation of meals and packing of school lunches. They’re never to young to be involved.
- Keep it fun and at a level where they can feel successful. Make it a chore or turn it into a battle and you’ll lose them for sure.
- Lead by example and don’t assume your kids will learn all they need to know about nutrition at school. They won’t.
- Try not to get overwhelmed by what all the gurus are telling you. Even though there are thousands of nutrition books at your local bookstore, nutrition isn’t as complicated as they make it out to be.
- It all comes down to choices. Give your child the tools to make better choices over time. Remember to be patient and understanding. Like becoming an athlete, learning life skills is a process, not an event.
Dave Kittner is the Youth Fitness Guy. He enhances the physical, emotional and educational well-being of kids through Physical Activity, Athletic Development and Sports Performance.
