7 Tips for Helping Kids Eat Healthy
/
It’s National Nutrition Month and at Texas Foot Specialists we want to urge parents to foster healthy eating habits in their children. There’s a direct connection between maintaining an appropriate weight and the health of your feet. Patients who are overweight are more likely to experience foot pain and have an increased risk for many podiatric conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. Studies show that overweight children often grow into overweight adults. Start now to help your child develop eating habits that will keep them healthy throughout their lives. Below are seven tips:
Set a good example. You can’t preach to your children about eating more fruits and vegetables as you sit on the couch with a bag of potato chips! Children tend to imitate what they see their parents do. Model making good food choices.
Make breakfast fun. Don’t stop at cereal. Try a breakfast burrito or a smoothie made with yogurt and fruit. Short on time in the a.m.? Spend some time on the weekend with your children making egg cups and nutrient-packed breakfast bars to eat on weekdays.
Eat a rainbow of produce. Children over the age of four need at least 1 ½ cups of fruit and 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of vegetables every day. By choosing a colorful selection you’ll help ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
Involve your children in meal planning, shopping and cooking. Not only is this a fun way to spend time together, children are also more likely to eat what they have been involved in preparing.
Don’t forbid foods or use them as a reward. This sets a bad precedent and can lead to behaviors such as self-soothing with food that will follow your child his or her whole life. Limit portion size and frequency of less-healthy foods.
Teach mindful eating. Instead of sitting in front of a screen, eat together as a family. Encourage children to assess whether they are really hungry or just bored. Help them to slow down when they eat and to notice when they feel full.
Be active together. Along with controlling your diet, physical activity is part of any healthy weight management plan. Find activities you can enjoy together like biking, hiking and even simple household tasks like raking leaves. If you or your children experience any foot or ankle discomfort during physical activities, be sure to make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) offices so that our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum can diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.