Healthy Eating for Kids

January 10, 2014

QualityCateringTV Channel

 

ehowhealth Channel

Quick breakfast ideas for little and big kids
• Cold cereal (lower sugar kind) and milk
• Eggs – boiled, poached, scrambled in a wrap
• French toast, waffles, or pancakes (whole grain kind) + fruits
• Fruit smoothie with favorite fruits, yogurt, milk
• Hot cereal _ oatmeal, cream of wheat + milk, fruit
• Leftovers (quick) I love cold veggie pizza
• Sandwich — grilled cheese, P&B and jelly, or meat and bread
• Whole-grain toast, bagel, or English muffin with cheese
• Yogurt + fruit ,nuts, crunchy cereal like Grape Nut

{ 182 comments… read them below or add one }

mdanner4505 June 18, 2014 at 9:08 pm

children eating healthy, must be taught, shop together, let them help with fixing snacks,

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K. McClenahan February 24, 2015 at 11:25 pm

That is a very helpful tip because whenever you let children in on helping with the meals they seem to want to eat healthier and want to eat all of their food.

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mcash97 January 25, 2016 at 5:31 pm

young children always want to help cook so it is a great idea to let them cook a healthy meal to learn how to do it

knichole March 2, 2016 at 10:00 am

I’ve heard that and have decided when my daughter is older to have her help me cook and make menu choices.

Morgan Long March 8, 2017 at 10:57 am

I totally agree with this statement because they are more involved which is a motivation to them to want to eat healthier.

Hailee Cooper October 14, 2017 at 8:03 pm

This is a very good ideal! I agree that it is taught.

SRogers February 17, 2018 at 12:43 pm

I agree, many children are not active in the food process. Make picking out healthy food fun. Have kids try new foods to see what they like. Many kids today do not eat the food that they need, thus they are obese.

LogozzoM October 10, 2018 at 2:31 pm

I totally agree with this! I have a extremely picky five year old, and he is always asking to help crack eggs, stir, or pour. He gets so excited and I feel like if he feels more involved in the process of making the food then he will more excited to eat it. I love having my kids be involved in the kitchen.

Adiehl October 3, 2019 at 11:40 am

My wife watched this video with me and she is a preschool teacher. She mentioned the same thing some of her students do not want to try to eat and of the healthy foods like carrots unless she eats them first.

Jicaldw October 11, 2019 at 6:29 pm

I agree. My little cousin does not want to eat sometimes if you dint let him help in the kitchen.

hmbower February 28, 2022 at 5:56 pm

I agree. I will definitely be letting my kiddos help pick healthy snacks/food

ANowlin March 2, 2022 at 9:48 am

I agree! When I was growing up, my mom did a lot of this tips to get her three young children to eat because my oldest sister was a very picky eater, and she did not want her picky eating habit to rub off on me and my twin. Looking back on it, if she had not have implemented these tips then I would have probably never tried Brussel sprouts or mango. I love Brussel sprouts now but learned that I definitely don’t like mango.

lekeisha ollison March 2, 2015 at 12:41 pm

so true.i have small children and i remenber how hard it was to get them to eat real food instead of junk food.although they love fruit they dont eat it unless i make them

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bsonger March 6, 2015 at 11:55 am

I have young kids and it is crucial for them to learn this.

lefj1979 February 24, 2016 at 10:42 pm

my kids think fast food is the only food that exist

Bsossamon June 30, 2016 at 4:53 pm

Starting your kids at a young age helping with preparing meals and going to the grocery store will help them understand why they need to eat whole foods instead of junk food. My parents did this with me.

Epeppers October 7, 2016 at 10:30 pm

I understand that a lot. I babysit a little boy and today all he wanted for breakfast was hamburger and fries. I know now that next time I should let him make his breakfast and maybe he will be more interested in other options.

jrousu October 11, 2017 at 3:44 pm

I agree it isn’t easy to get them to eat their greens! I try to get the tricolor pasta that has veggies in each serving. I make smoothies, buy veggie burgers. I cut up fruits and veggies for lunch.. anything to get them to eat healthy. Sometimes we make our own trail mix. Another fun thing she likes is freezing fresh blueberries to have for a quick snack.

tperkins October 11, 2017 at 5:57 pm

I was curios to know how it is for people who actually have children.

jpultz February 8, 2018 at 2:05 pm

Children do watch their parents and are more likely to follow what they do. so the healthier you eat yourself the more healthy your children will want to be.

zdunlap March 13, 2018 at 10:16 pm

I was the same way. I only ate cheese and quick processed foods. Knowing all of this, I will not let my kids eat as unhealthy as I did.

acole4 September 2, 2018 at 4:09 pm

I agree that getting small children to eat healthy is hard but if you start them out young on eating healthy foods helps a lot! Also you eating what they are eating has been very helpful with me getting my son to eat healthy

Abbyirose October 3, 2018 at 11:42 pm

I agree this is very importatn.

redriverscott October 7, 2018 at 8:38 pm

I remember being told that if you don’t want them to eat it, don’t make it available. I believe in moderation. Use junk food as a reward or in only special circumstances. Start them out right and keep them going. If they never try junk food, they won’t crave it.

B.Willis July 1, 2015 at 12:16 am

I totally agree with children must be taught to eat healthy.

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JGarrett July 6, 2016 at 5:29 pm

I agree. The more they see others do it they will do it. Making it fun can help also.

scasteel February 28, 2017 at 12:58 pm

yes they should, sometimes it is challenging but educating your child is the best way and I am going to start using some of these tips for my daughter.

Natalie Fusilier October 11, 2017 at 9:56 pm

I agree as well. If kids are not taught healthy eating habits, they will choose junk food instead. This can lead to obesity, and other health issues.

LSB62 February 1, 2018 at 11:15 pm

This is kind of one of those things where you can be taught one thing, but its up to you to really carry out the task. Eating healthy is hard fro me as an adult, and I know kids will have an even harder time.

hubence September 29, 2018 at 9:26 pm

I find that simply explaining to my kids why they should be eating something and what it’s actually doing in their body really makes a difference. That way they’re not feeling like they’re eating it “because i said so”.

cnitch1 October 2, 2018 at 12:58 pm

I agree it is very important for children to be taught to eat healthy. Studies show we carry 85% of our habits formed in adolescence to adulthood – healthy eating should be one. Not only will it make our kids grow up to be healthy adult who begin the cycle of healthy eating, it will help decrease the amount of obese adolescents.

mhall14 October 10, 2018 at 4:20 am

Absolutely. I think its important to introduce new healthy foods too to give them different options.

hjohnson September 30, 2019 at 12:50 am

Kids are going to pick out the same sugary things over and over again because they know how good it tastes and also because they don’t know any better. Habit is the best way to teach a kid what is good to eat and what is bad to eat.

Chelsea Vogel Hunter January 25, 2016 at 6:46 pm

I have a two year old so i agree it just requires much patience but it is well worth it

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Ashleigh W. July 7, 2016 at 9:23 pm

Defiantly worth the time! So many positive benefits.

srussell August 25, 2016 at 8:57 am

I have an 18 month old grandson and he will try almost anything as long as someone else is eating it too…..monkey see, monkey do is our motto.

jwilson15 October 11, 2017 at 11:47 pm

It may take time but later on they will be grateful for the good habits you taught them and will be more willing to teach their own children the same habits.

rwhite June 25, 2018 at 7:58 am

Children also learn which foods taste good so if you consistently provided nutritious meals then those foods will be the ones they enjoy!

dahlke11 February 23, 2016 at 4:27 pm

That is a great point! If half of the things shown in this video were done with me I would probably eat healthier today.

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mhigginbotham March 6, 2017 at 10:33 am

So true i wish i would have watched this video when i was a kid. I will make sure my kids eat healthy that is for sure.

ssteele June 28, 2017 at 9:46 pm

I agree. If this were taught in elementary schools we might see healthier eating habits as adults.

Jodie Hammonds February 27, 2018 at 10:04 pm

Totally true! I would like to think the same thing. I did try to steer my kids in the right directions, but a lot of the information could have been passed on from my parents to my children. That may well have resulted in healthier generations!

Amay0216 October 6, 2018 at 8:50 pm

I agree! If I had more education when I were a child I think I’d be a lot healthier now!

ppendergrass June 15, 2016 at 12:01 pm

My husband and I have 2 toddlers, and I have to say letting them pick their food at first was all about the sugars. Now they ask for fruits, veggies, and pick their own healthy lunches. Now we believe in not depriving our children of junk food, just because we know when they get older they will try it at friend’s or family member’s house. We as a family get to pick out a dessert we all share after dinner. However, we all have to earn that reward. i.e kids pick toys up, or help with the family dog, help with dinner, and etc. Mommy and daddy have to earn it by cleaning, doing all our homework, and by making sure we do what we have to as parents. It has made our family happy, and still healthy.

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Ashleigh W. July 7, 2016 at 9:24 pm

Yall sound like a fun family, I think its wonderful that you make it a reward for the kids and you and your husband.

ckilpatrick October 10, 2016 at 7:28 pm

That is awesome! Ya’ll sound so fun. I think its incredible that you are so involved and really want them to be healthy. It is not often that parents are like that anymore. It is mostly just on the go lunches and sweet snacks and soda. I love that you guys are starting young!

Catapult1 October 11, 2018 at 1:19 am

This sounds like a great family nutrition philosophy and I will definitely be enforcing the ideas you listed above in my household.

Peyton Blackerby July 6, 2016 at 7:54 pm

I never thought of shopping together. Thats a good tip.

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bbyers6771 February 3, 2017 at 6:56 am

We have shopped together cooked together and encourage mine to try new things. She is very head strong and will not eat anything other than what she wants.But as a baby she loved veggie and fruit she still loves fruit but not veggies.

wslaughter February 9, 2017 at 2:10 pm

excellent tip to shop together!

collinb1986 June 25, 2017 at 8:30 pm

Shopping together is a great idea! It really gets the kids interested in the food that they will be eating. Getting them to help prepare the food that you bought together is even better because they become excited and interested in what they will be eating.

Kfalcone June 11, 2018 at 10:08 pm

yes! When you get the kids involved they feel a since of accomplishment and want to help and eat the right stuff. I let my son cook and he tells me “mom it just taste better when I cook It”.

klane September 21, 2018 at 9:13 pm

when i shop with my kids they just ask for every piece of candy they see. not anything healthy.

kbrasfield October 3, 2016 at 11:15 am

we try to get my son to eat and become involved with cooking but he still refuses to eat vegetables.

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esmith October 11, 2023 at 9:18 pm

My boyfriend’s daughter helps me with cooking but sometimes she will not eat it because of vegetables or just something she doesn’t like. I try to get her to try things and she will once but if she doesn’t like it she won’t do it again.

DGPatton October 5, 2016 at 12:19 pm

YESSS! Children must be taught to enjoy healthy things. Do not force them to eat something they don’t like. If they don’t like carrots, try a different vegetable. If they don’t like vegetables, find ways to mask the taste in other things.

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afriedl October 5, 2016 at 5:44 pm

This is true, but takes a LOT of patience!!

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ltutt October 6, 2016 at 10:05 am

You have to start children on healthy eating at a young age. They often follow their parents lead and eat mostly the same diet.

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MeagonPorter October 7, 2016 at 3:01 pm

Very true! My son is a very picky eater but if he helps me make something he is more likely to try it. Simple things such as adding pepper exc.

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mbarrett2289 March 8, 2017 at 1:04 am

This is very true! Kids want to help and understand what you’re doing, which usually gives them a desire to learn more about it.

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tcowles2149 March 8, 2017 at 10:56 pm

Those are very useful tips. I have a nephew who I help out with a lot and he’s already developing very picky habits that I am hoping to change before it’s too late.

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mfranklin1` March 11, 2017 at 12:31 pm

my mom always told me that she never catered to my eating when I was young. I would eat almost anything, but now my eating habits are horrible. I am very picky, so that doesnt always work.

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cfields2 October 11, 2017 at 9:55 pm

I agree. A parent plays a big role in a child’s nutrition.

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Kaylee Gibson March 7, 2018 at 10:40 pm

I agree with let the kids get involved in helping prepare healthy dinners, lunches, and snakes. This will help hem want to eat them more.

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caty marsischky June 27, 2018 at 10:08 pm

Agreed. You can’t just force a kid to eat healthy, you need to teach and show they how to.

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sawadjihe October 4, 2018 at 8:53 am

Yes it is a great idea. Parents should go shopping with their kids, let the kid choose for the fruits he or she likes. no pressure on the kid. Every step is important.

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amello October 5, 2019 at 5:42 am

Yes the parents must teach their children and involve them in meal planning and shopping. Its primarily the only way to combat this obesity issue.

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KirstieW October 9, 2019 at 10:41 am

I remember as a child my mom would get my brother and I in the kitchen to help her cook. My job was always to make the salad, and in doing so, I would always eat it because I was proud of my work.

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panda August 29, 2022 at 3:37 pm

some helpful tip especially for picky eaters. like my nephew.
#veggie Tales

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kfleming October 11, 2022 at 5:28 pm

These are great tips! I plan to do this with my daughter and show her that I am eating healthy as well.

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nbarganier October 12, 2023 at 11:49 am

That’s a great idea!

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fcarter-doreau June 17, 2014 at 8:21 pm

It is definitely like fighting a losing battle! My husband and I nearly had a stroke when we recently went to the aka “best preschool” in our town according to everyone I know, to sign our daughter up for preschool (she’s 3 1/2) and they told me the lunch menu for the week was…Monday-Sonic, Tuesday- KFC, Wednesday- Mcdonalds, Thursday- Domino’s pizza,and this is an extra $3.50…or you could send her a lunch. I was completely caught off guard and stunned that they are even allowed to let the children eat like that! I am no health food nut but I definitely think kids shouldn’t be taught bad eating habits like that! But what do you do, I’m guessing none of the parents have a problem with it because the waiting list for this place is like 3 years long. It was a no-brainer for us, WE WILL DEFINITELY BE SENDING HER LUNCH WITH HER!

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dgray January 29, 2015 at 10:17 am

that is crazy that is even allowed! 1 day a week MAYBE and let it be subway or something with FRUIT or VEGETABLES but every single day of the week. WOW amazing that place would have a 3yr wait to get our children health problems before the 2nd grade. (smh)

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mchavez February 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm

Wow that is outrageous and completely unacceptable to feed children these types of food especially on a regular basis! What happened to good ol fashion sandwiches with fruit or vegetables on the side? Its one thing to have it as a treat here and there but in great excess like that its dangerous and leading a horrible example for the rest of their lives. Glad you chose to send lunch also, good for you and your child.

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mswitzer February 23, 2015 at 10:59 pm

I always try to get my kids to eat the healthy foods to chose from on any menu and in the store. I have educated my children on being over weight. I also lead by example. I eat right and also stay active. when my kids start school next year I plan to send their lunch as well.

Csutherland February 22, 2015 at 8:51 pm

i probably would do the same.

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kwalker1209 October 7, 2015 at 10:08 pm

Wow! That is crazy! I worked in preschools for 4 years and the kids got pizza maybe once a month. Like for special events or celebrations that day. Wonder if that preschool was part of a food program or even quality approved. And yet they wonder why so many children are becoming obese, can’t just blame the parents anymore it seems.

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acrockett6564 September 25, 2022 at 2:52 pm

I agree, I have a habit of going by fast-food restaurants to get my son a quick bite to eat.

HunterMcWhorter February 24, 2016 at 10:36 pm

Wow this is ridiculous. I would never let young toddlers eat fast food every day.

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lmitchell March 2, 2016 at 8:53 pm

I did let my daughter have some fast food when she was small. She is a teenager now and probably looks at eating healthier better than I do myself because she is a runner. However, when she was small I got her to try a lot of different things vegetable and fruit wise and she will still try new things now. Especially if she feels it will have healthy benefits.

sparrish February 29, 2016 at 5:08 pm

Good for you! I have never heard of a preschool with a menu like that… however, I have observed, first-hand, preschools whose quality of food was disappointing. I think the first option of sending your child to school with their own lunch is the best option!

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AToney86 March 11, 2016 at 12:30 am

I have never in my life hear of a preschool being allowed to have such unhealthy lunch options for kids. I would definitely be sending my little to school with a lunch from home with some healthier choices.

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wslaughter February 9, 2017 at 2:11 pm

Definitely! kids need good nutrition so they don’t feel fatigued and so they can focus more and learn more in school!

EPUGH September 28, 2016 at 1:24 pm

WHAT?! The problem is they probably saved so much money by using fast food places for their lunch. They do not even care about the health of the students. Yea it costs more to eat healthy but medical bills are going to be way more than the up front cost of eating healthy. I cant believe that!

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MeagonPorter October 7, 2016 at 3:04 pm

That is crazy! People wonder why child obesity is so high… fast food everyday?

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Jadamson February 7, 2017 at 12:49 pm

That’s just scary! I can’t imagine myself eating lunch like that let alone a small child!

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nbarganier October 12, 2023 at 11:55 am

That’s insane! I’d be sending lunch too. At my preschool we had a day where everyone had to make a snack and then bring it in. I don’t remember what everyone else brought but I made a snack called ants on a log. It was a few pieces of celery and then peanut butter. I don’t remember if i talked my mom into doing dark mini chocolate chips or if she made me do raisins. I don’t remember getting pizza at all.

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pbridges9020 June 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

Great information on how to teach your children. I sent it to my Step Daughter to share with her Kids. I am going to go to their site to search for books or video to purchase if any. Great Gift for my Step Grandchildren.

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sparks June 5, 2014 at 10:57 am

Alot of toddlers are picky eaters. I guess, I just got lucky, because neither of my boys are picky eaters. When I started feeding them baby food, I fed them only the vegetables for a while and then I started adding in the fruits. And now they love vegetables. They will choose vegetables or fruits over sweets any day. They don’t care too much for sweets, they haven’t ever had coke or coffee. I think my boys eat healthier than I do.

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mhooker February 25, 2015 at 11:36 pm

I was never a picky eater, but my parents fed me just whatever I wanted or what they wanted to eat.

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JPrichard March 3, 2016 at 5:45 pm

Same here I got to eat basically anything my mom would let me, today I still do that but I usually snack on apples or carrots.

rrink October 4, 2016 at 2:02 pm

I got lucky, too. My almost two year old will eat raw onions! He’s not picky when it comes to his veggies!

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amandap20 October 4, 2016 at 5:01 pm

It’s a good thing they choose vegetables in general because there is a lot of people and kids today who don’t eat vegetables at all. So, you caught your kids well.

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wmccoy3365 October 8, 2019 at 9:59 am

I am in the same boat. My children will literally eat anything. When I started with baby foods also I only did vegetables for a long time. My children do not like sweets either.

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Sdecker May 30, 2014 at 4:19 pm

You know, I don’t have children to practice this with BUT I do have a boyfriend who is extremely picky and these some of these tips can help to find him some “better” foods than what he eats currently. We definitely need to go shopping together though.

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k. williams May 5, 2014 at 5:29 pm

I think kids should eat healthy, but I also see nothing wrong with letting them have some unhealthy snacks too.

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wsullivan June 24, 2015 at 9:12 pm

I completely agree with you on that but as a person that has been obese all of her childhood and part of her adulthood I think it’s all about teaching the child how to eat at a young age. Personally most are not taught how to be healthy until it is too late. I still think every child should get a real birthday cake or ice cream now and then just not every day. It will make living healthy easier for them later on.

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lwalker June 25, 2015 at 7:26 pm

I agree with you, that our children should eat healthy food and I don’t see anything wrong with giving them a little treat of junk food every now and then.:)

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HGRAVES2 July 1, 2015 at 3:40 pm

i agree 😀

tynapp July 24, 2016 at 5:22 pm

I completely agree.

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LaurenRogers October 5, 2016 at 10:16 pm

I agree wholeheartedly!!

eramsey4317 March 8, 2017 at 12:57 pm

Treats are fine in moderation in my personal opinion.

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pharrell7786 May 2, 2014 at 7:58 pm

After watching this video i believe i will be a good parent (when i have kids) when it comes to their nutritional needs.

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Sdecker May 30, 2014 at 4:20 pm

Me too, I can’t wait!

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pharrell7786 May 2, 2014 at 7:56 pm

i had no idea how much breakfast actually helps with children in school.

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pharrell7786 May 2, 2014 at 7:55 pm

if only people would take childhood obesity more seriously.

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bkulis March 21, 2014 at 7:22 pm

I think that telling the kids the reasons why eating healthy is good will possibly make them want to eat healthy.

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pbridges9020 June 17, 2014 at 8:05 am

I agree! Let them know the why? children understand more when given the information from someone other than a parent.

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jkehler January 29, 2015 at 11:32 pm

I absolutely agree that telling kids why making good food choices is healthy, down on their level that they will understand, will help them want to eat healthier. Preschoolers in particular are learning sponges, and just as they are learning their ABCs they can be learning good food choices. Let them see every snack and every meal how the four food groups are represented until it becomes an expected habit for them to be made of healthy foods.

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MCogburn3 March 9, 2014 at 8:35 pm

I really didn’t enjoy this video, I thought without the face of the speaker it was impersonal. I’m not a mother, but the information is sure to be useful in the future~!! 🙂 As an artist, I thought the bit about drawing a snack-person was cool, certainly something I’d try with my kids one day~!! 😀 ♥♥♥

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Jordan Lewis March 6, 2014 at 4:06 pm

I think that it is very important for kids to get their healthy meals! I can’t stand when I see parents just picking out the quickest meal even though it may not be the best choice!

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Aowens March 6, 2014 at 12:39 am

I use to nanny for several families when I was in high school. When I was with the kids I always made sure to cook them healthy foods. I know how important it is to start teaching good eating habits right away.

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awagner March 6, 2014 at 12:15 am

I was raised on a healthier diet than most other kids, mainly due to my mom. It’s not like she was a health nut, and she didn’t completely limit my intake of junk foods and stuff of that nature. She always kept a lot of fresh fruit around, and at breakfast she always made me eat something with a lot of protein. I think that’s the reason why I am in a different shape than a lot of my friends that I grew up with. I also plan to do the same thing to my kid when I have one.

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mhulse March 4, 2015 at 4:33 pm

I’m exactly the same my mom kept plenty of fruit around the house and made sure I ate healthy. If she was still in charge of Mt food intake I would be much healthier.

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cosborne March 5, 2014 at 7:18 pm

When I was growing up, it was on a rare occasion that we went out to eat or ate fast food. My parents were always cooking along with other kids parents, but in todays worlds, parents are justg picking something up from fast food or taking their kids out to eat and kids will never learn healthy eating habits that way.

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kbennett February 23, 2015 at 12:14 am

Today, there is an abundance of fast foods & restaurants. With the busy lifestyle, people end up eating the foods that are convenient instead of taking the time to prepare a healthy meal. It’s the parent’s job to set a good example for their kids.

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lwalker June 25, 2015 at 7:21 pm

I agree, when I was growing up, my mother mostly cooked vegetable’s out of our garden. The only time we would eat out is maybe once on the weekend, she didn’t believe in fast food meals.

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hlong1 September 14, 2016 at 1:48 pm

I agree! When I was younger my family also ate at home and now days it is common to eat out a lot! I believe it everybody’s hurried lifestyle!

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cosborne March 5, 2014 at 7:17 pm

I cant say much about having a picky child because i dont have children but i was that picky child. If it smelled funny, looked funny, or tasted funny i would not touch it. I am still a very picky eater but I am trying to eat better and lose weight, so some things I just have to hold my nose and swallow.

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nwade October 6, 2017 at 9:28 pm

I am the same way. I am really picky when it comes to food. I hate that I am but I do not eat a lot of things.

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MSmith March 5, 2014 at 5:16 pm

Children are very picky. Working in food service I see it everyday. You can offer a “healthy meal” such as stir fry that has lean chicken, brown rice and veggies ans they will turn it down and go for a slice of pizza or a chicken sandwich and french fries. Also many parents today will get something quick and easy. I’m just as guilty. I would much rather get something quick. If I personally could go back and redo my children being younger and feeding them a healthy diet I would

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lwalker June 25, 2015 at 7:23 pm

I agree that children are very picky. My kids are picky about their food, especially my son. But he does try to eat healthy, now my daughter is another story.

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Ashley July 24, 2016 at 11:24 pm

Children are very picky. But it is a parents job that they get their right nutrients.

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asmith March 7, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Agree with this especially watching my niece and nephew eat certain food.

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amcclure October 4, 2018 at 2:14 pm

I agree kids these days know what they want to eat which are the bad things. It is like they only want chicken nuggets and pizza. They act like they do not care about anything else. I wish my family raised me like this instead of eating fast food everyday, then maybe I would not be in the place I am now.

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ethacker March 5, 2014 at 3:12 pm

I think healthy eating with children is extremely important! It drives me crazy when my mom does not feed my little brother and sister healthy foods, but just cooks something fast or gets them fast food. Children need healthy foods not only for their body but also for health reasons and to avoid child obesity!

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iramirez March 5, 2014 at 1:06 pm

I do not have any kids but I am always thinking about how I want to them to have a healthy lifestyle. I don’t like when some parents don’t like vegetables or some fruits and influence their children not to eat them. We should not influence children with our bad habbits.

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ckuhn March 5, 2014 at 1:01 am

I think starting kids eating healthier at a young age is a very good idea. My family rarely eats out and my mom mostly cooks healthier meals even all while i was growing up. But now it seems as if families are more busier and rushed and tend to just grab fast food all the time. I also coach an all star cheerleading squad with younger girls and they are always walking into practice with ice cream, taco bell, or pizza. I try to inform them that those kind of foods are not good for them and also not good for them right before being physical. What are their parents thinking getting them that kind of food before serious physical conditioning!?

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wbukowski March 4, 2014 at 9:53 pm

These two videos were great had a lot of great information and tips on starting young kid on good eating habits. I’m going to try some of these tips when I watch my niece.

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chobbs March 4, 2014 at 7:58 pm

To get kids motivated and on board with healthy eating you have to make it fun! That is one reason that so many companies offer shaped foods, for example, Tysons shaped nuggets. These things make it considerably easier to entice children to eat them. Also, I like the tip offered by this video to let the children help. Everything from grocery shopping, to shopping lists help make them feel important.

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cgreene March 3, 2014 at 7:38 pm

I don’t understand why she says that you should try one thing at a time. My nieces were all crazy about fruit when they you toddlers. My mom would always have a bowl out. As a matter of fact, one of my nieces was so in love with grapes that she’d even call apples grapes whenever you she wanted an apple. It was a little confusing at first but we were happy they loved eating fruit. May it’s just my nieces who enjoyed a variety compared to the norm (if there is one) of the majority of toddlers not being able to handing more than one fruit introduced to them a week.

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Katarina Lazic March 3, 2014 at 3:16 pm

I found this video very interesting and helpful! When I have kids of my own, I really want to teach them to eat the right foods and make sure they eat fruits and vegetables. I want them to eat better than I did!!
Also, for them to be healthy and fit.

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CLovell March 3, 2014 at 12:50 am

Maybe I can start using these ideas when I cook for my little cousins. They eat really bad food

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jostie March 2, 2014 at 9:15 pm

Obesity is very high in America these days even among children, therefore I think it is very important to teach children to eat healthy. I don’t have children of my own but I do encourage my nieces to eat healthy whenever possible.

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Stephanie Herndon March 1, 2014 at 3:18 pm

When i was growing up I was raised on a farm so we ate the foods we grew, and my parents and grandparents grew it all not only spring and summer but fall and winter. So when my daughter was born even though i was no longer on a farm I still incorporated all of those foods into her diet and luckily she is not a picky eater. She loves her fruits and veggies unlike many of her friends. It’s sad but many of them won’t eat unless it’s fast food and that’s the problem we are having with childhood obesity, the parents are the one’s that have to start these good habits if not I think a lot of it is their fault for their child being obese for not doing so.

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beasterling March 1, 2014 at 1:32 pm

This information is all well and good, but I’d like to see them work with my kids. I have gotten to the point almost that as long as they’re taking in calories I almost don’t care of the source. The things I do to ensure they aren’t doing “too” bad with their eating is offer swap outs or eat this to get to eat that. And say lets eat 6 bites of this to get 2 bites of that. But all in all this is very good information

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ACOOPER March 1, 2014 at 12:57 pm

I don’t have kids of my own, but I do have nieces and nephews and I always try to teach them to eat healthy by leading by example. If I am eating something healthy I always encourage them to try it and let them know how good it can be for their growing bodies and minds. This usually works!

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jemerson February 27, 2014 at 4:56 pm

It can be hard to get children to eat the right foods and the right quantity of healthy foods but it is all about the respect of allowing them to try new things and the acceptance that they are not going to like every item that is put on their plate. We, as parents, have to be mature enough to realize that we are going to help mold them and shape them into the responsible adult that we hope they grow into.

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aeasley February 26, 2014 at 4:23 pm

I am a picky eater because vegetables were never a huge part of our meals when I was little. I read somewhere that kids are more likely to eat raw vegetables before eating them cooked. I am just starting to eat lettuce and I am 19 years old. I have had to force myself to try new things because when I was little I would just turn my nose up. I think too many parents just give up after their kid turns their nose at something the first time.

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sboyett February 25, 2015 at 9:12 am

I’ve just started eating lettuce too! I think maybe taste buds change when you get a little older too. I find that I am eating a lot of things now that I didn’t a few years ago and there are some things I use to love that now I don’t care for at all– like lasagna–use to love it and now can’t stand it.

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lwalker June 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm

I also think that your taste buds change as you get older, because I use to hate liver now I like eating liver if its fried and seasoned to my taste.:)

JALSTON February 26, 2014 at 4:09 pm

I absolutely loved these videos. I have a very picky toddler at home and this was an awesome resource for different ideas to try and I hope they are effective with my little one. Thanks for sharing.

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Reginia Jennings February 25, 2014 at 7:45 pm

One of the hardest thing I have is trying to get my kids to eat healthy. It is a daily struggle. Although they do like some fruits a veggies it’s still hard. We have to many junk food choices these days that really doesn’t help out.

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Cstrickland5947 February 25, 2014 at 5:49 pm

Great advice! I have an 8 month old son, and this important will really help me. I don’t want my son to have weight issues and I want him healthy of course. I’m going to work in the snacks we have, getting rid of the junk food, and getting more healthy food.

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Emerson February 24, 2014 at 2:22 am

It is hard to get children to eat the right foods and the right quantity of healthy foods but it is all about the respect of allowing them to try new things and the acceptance that they are not going to like every item that is put on their plate. We, as parents, have to be mature enough to realize that we are going to help mold them and shape them into the responsible adult that we hope they grow into.

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kbeard7948 February 23, 2014 at 11:36 pm

I still eat like a child! The junk food commercials still drag me in! This video helped me out. I’m going to start incorporating veggies that I like and avoiding potato chips!

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wbukowski March 4, 2014 at 10:00 pm

I hate to admit it but I’m the same way. But this video really has opened my eyes.

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wearnest February 21, 2014 at 4:24 pm

Great advice. My niece is three and at first it was hard to get her to eat meats and other healthy foods, because like all kids she is picky. We had a problem with her that when she found a food she liked that is all she ever wanted and never wanted to try new foods. Recently, we would show her what was on our plates and ask her if she would want to try it and us having it on ours first actually made her want to see what that food was all about. Now she is eating great. She actually wants to eat all of the time. So we keep our cabinets and refrigerator organized to where the healthy snacks and fruits are close to the bottom where she can reach what she wants. Allowing her to help herself to snacks makes a big difference.

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Ldavis February 20, 2014 at 6:24 pm

My son has asthma and allergies. He always wants to eat junk food, I have to limit him on it. He wants to eat junk and drink sodas. I tell him that is not good for him. He loves fruits also, He takes his lunch to school everyday and normally comes home with the healthy stuff still in his lunch box and its frustrating.

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ccantrell1 January 24, 2015 at 7:40 pm

I can definetly understand the struggle of getting a child to eat healthier. I used to be that child myself, I would always take maybe two bites out of my apple then chunk it to the birds. Hopefully you can get through to him!

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mjoyner February 20, 2014 at 12:49 am

I believe it is good to teach your kids to eat healthy because obesity is at high today but its not good to eat unhealthy why trying to teach your kids healthy eating

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aeasley February 26, 2014 at 4:24 pm

I completely agree! I gave a speech on childhood obesity and it is very shocking how rampant this problem is. Eating healthy should be our main focus for children these days.

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Stephanie Herndon March 1, 2014 at 3:22 pm

This is so true and the fact of it is most likely the parent does need the healthy foods. We have to practice what we preach.

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lwalker June 25, 2015 at 7:34 pm

I agree that the obesity rate is sky high, because it is so convenient to eat out at fast food restaurant when your time is limited. We as parents have to teach our kids better eating habits to keep them healthy.

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preed February 17, 2014 at 12:47 pm

My first daughter has just now (7years old) started to try a variety of foods. It is very hard to be patient about continually offering the same foods only to have them refused over and over. My 1year old is on the other end of the spectrum. She seems eager to try anything and everything including various vegetables so hopefully they will both continue to grow in their enjoyment of good healthy food.

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hyoung1 February 24, 2014 at 1:36 am

This is how it is with my two children. My younger child loves anything and everything. There isn’t one food that I have found yet that she won’t eat. My son on the other hand, has a lot of texture issues and he doesn’t want to eat anything that is green or colorful. I am trying to hard to get him interested in more healthy food, but he’s just relentless sometimes. Hopefully he will get there before too long.

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bpryor February 15, 2014 at 4:55 pm

Great tips! Trying new foods once a week is something I might get my mom to try with my brother. He is very picky about foods almost as if he’s scared of them. I never thought of finger foods being fun to eat as well. Being that I love nutrition and it’s facts, I could take teaching my brother and sister into healthier eating habits into consideration. I really liked the tip about involving the kids and letting them help with coupons. My mom is an extreme couponer and it might help the kids if they got to help her.

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mboswell February 13, 2014 at 2:42 pm

When my son was 2 years old he would only eat 1 hot dog, a box juice and 1 banana per DAY!!! I took him to the doctors and everything. they all told me he was fine and when he was ready to eat he would. Now 24 years later i have a 6’1″ 280lb man. He lifts weights and is healthy.

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ccantrell1 February 13, 2014 at 10:57 am

I am so glad to know that my little girl has healthy eating habits! She has been doing so well and I didn’t even know… The only thing I need to make sure she eats more of is actual fruits, not the fruits that are dried and saturated with sugars.

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btubbs February 12, 2014 at 9:16 am

I bought these things called Snappeas yesterday. Its a snow pea that has been blended down reforned and baked. they are 70% snow peas. They actually taste great and are far better for you than chips. My daughter loves them. She calls them green cheetos.

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admin March 2, 2014 at 12:57 pm

Sounds good. Kroger has the dried vegetables: green beans, sweet potatoes, oakra. They do taste like chips.

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aschaeffer February 10, 2014 at 4:24 pm

My two boys know that in order to grow big and strong like the Hulk, they need to eat green vegetables. It helped to win them over with broccoli and green smoothies. They even call their green smoothies, Incredible Hulk Shakes. The toddler comment about trying over and over again is so true. In many instances, our toddlers would dislike the same food over and over again, only to begin liking it by the fourth or fifth try.

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kferguson October 10, 2017 at 11:22 am

What an awesome idea! Incorporating superheros and things that interest the kids into their eating habits I’m sure helps to motivate them to eat healthier. It also gives them someone to look up to in regard to their diet they begin to think “If Hulk eats healthy and he is big and strong, then I should eat healthy, too.” Love this idea!

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hyoung1 February 10, 2014 at 1:36 am

My son is only 3 years old but he isn’t stupid by any means. I will try everything to get him to eat vegetables but he knows me all too well. I’ve even tried the mixing it into the mashed potatoes or hiding it in something else he likes to eat, but he always knows that it’s there. I’ve thought about getting a juicer for this purpose. I know it’s a hefty purchase but I see it would be worth it in the long run. He is a very picky eater and has a lot of “texture” issues too. I can’t, for the life of me, get him to eat a gummy vitamin. I want to be sure he gets the vitamins and minerals he needs mainly from his food, but right now, he just doesn’t want to eat any vegetables. He doesn’t even try them first, he just says he doesn’t like it. His favorite food when he was a baby was sweet potatoes, he ate so many his nose turned orange, but now things have changed and he doesn’t want anything to do with veggies. I know it’s very important for both my children to start healthy eating habits early on, so I want to rectify this problem. Hopefully this juicer thing will work out for me. I’m desperate at this point!

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kfowler October 8, 2019 at 12:43 pm

I am not a parent so I can not relate to you on that level but I have worked at many daycares and I know the struggle of getting kids to eat what they are suppose to eat. At this one day care we started doing this thing called happy plate. If they made a happy plate and ate the veggies and certain amount of meat they would get rewarded and if they don’t eat they would not get rewarded. Whoever made a happy plate in the daycare would get to choose what play center they got to go in and whoever did not make one we would choose a center for them. You have to make them realize that it is healthy and it makes them grow big and strong.

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mhicks February 8, 2014 at 3:34 pm

Been around children all my life and I see a lot of times people choose the quick unhealthy foods when they are busy! I don’t have children so I don’t know how a schedule with one would be but I agree with all the tips they shared.

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lmehalic March 5, 2018 at 9:19 pm

You do have to make time that is for sure, but it is worth it when it comes to their health. I take my daughter grocery shopping with me so she can be a part of choosing foods for her lunches.

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sladet February 5, 2014 at 9:04 pm

It is funny my daughter will look at something and say she doesn’t like it without even tasting it first so I hide a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables in my meals Spaghetti with broccoli mixed in is really good.

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btubbs February 8, 2014 at 12:15 pm

A friend of mine introduced me to spaghetti squash. Im not sure if that is the real name or not however, it is pretty good. It is a large squash that you can steam or boil, and then shread into strips the size of noodles with a fork. I don’t care for whole grain pasta. It has never tasted right or had the right texture for me. I started using this squash as a replacement for the pasta and my daughter loves it. She even knows that its not noodles and still loves it.

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wearnest February 21, 2014 at 4:33 pm

I have been hearing a lot about spaghetti squash. I have been wanting to try it. I know you explained how to do it but is it easy to make? I love spaghetti and I am also a big squash fan so I know I will like it.

jkehler January 29, 2015 at 11:41 pm

Spaghetti squash is super easy to prepare! Slice it lengthwise down the middle. Lay it cut side down in a baking dish. Add about a 1/2 inch of water to the baking dish. Cover with saran to microwave for 10 minutes, or cover with foil to bake for 30 minutes. After cooking, use a fork to pull strands of the squash out of the shell. It will literally look like spaghetti. Add a very small amount of butter to it, along with salt and pepper, and toss. Delicious as a side dish, or covered with a pasta sauce.

mhicks February 8, 2014 at 4:07 pm

I have heard of doing this! Mixing in foods so kids don’t know ha! I would do that if I had kids!

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wwalker3804 February 5, 2014 at 3:39 pm

Getting kids involved in all these activities is what has been increasingly missing in our society. Too many times I have heard kids being told to get out of the kitchen so that the adult can prepare the meal. Instead they should be involved more.
Most toddlers that I have seen will run you ragged if you try to keep up with them their energy level is way up there. That being said they need a healthy diet because they are burning energy up fast.

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wearnest February 21, 2014 at 4:31 pm

I could not agree more. We like to have my niece involved in cooking. When she helps cook she is more likely to eat the food. She is proud of herself and loves to hear praises for cooking a great meal. It teaches them to be involved and how to cook.

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kwomble February 28, 2017 at 10:39 pm

I completely agree with you, our children need to learn how to cook these things and they will be more interested in eating it for themselves!

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dbalding7689 February 4, 2014 at 10:30 pm

It’s hard to get kids to eat right, as most kids are picky eaters! I think the earlier you start kids out eating healthy foods, the easier it will be for them to stick with it later in their lives as well.

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wwalker3804 February 5, 2014 at 4:27 pm

I totally agree with teaching as early as possible the proper ways and manners for children to have the best lives.

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sladet February 5, 2014 at 9:01 pm

I agree they are very picky.

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ckuhn March 5, 2014 at 12:58 am

i completely agree. I was raised by eating healthier and not as much fast food and i eat a little more healthier and make better choices than most of my friends do. And i also have never been picky. I eat mostly anything whereas my friends can be pretty picky.

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key_ash3 March 3, 2017 at 10:33 pm

I wish I would have been thought how to be more healthy with my family! It seems as if (looking back now) that as a child we always ate out!

bkulis March 5, 2014 at 4:47 pm

I agree that starting them out early with healthy foods is the best way to have kids eat right. I think that it’s ok for kids to have some “bad” food every once in awhile. But I think that the parents should have the kids eat their good foods first and as a treat have some potato chips or ice cream or whatever. If they eat the good foods first, they’ll fill up more on them and not want as much “bad” food.

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k. williams May 5, 2014 at 5:28 pm

This is definitely been my experience with kids and choosing healthier foods and snacks. The earlier you start kids out with healthy snacks and lower sugar, the more they love these types of snacks.

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