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Lifestyle Changes for Family Health
10 Easy Back-to-School Tips to Help Children (and Parents!) Eat Smarter This Fall
By Edward Abramson
Turn off the TV. Discourage eating while playing computer or video games.
5. Minimize Consumption of Sugary Sodas and Fruit Juices
The calories in soft drinks have no nutritional value and don't abate hunger. While eating an apple or grapes reduces hunger, drinking an apple or grape juice doesn't.
6. Serve Reasonably Sized Portions
If he or she is still hungry, they can ask for seconds. If you misjudge and serve too much, save the excess for leftovers. Don't encourage the child to eat the food to avoid wasting it.
7. Don't Use Food as a Reward
Don't use one food as a reward for eating other foods. Don't offer food as a reward for an accomplishment. Conversely, don't use food to placate. If your child is feeling sad, tend to the emotions, not the appetite.
8. Don't Buy Toys That Glorify Junk Food
9. Cook New Foods Together.
Encourage your child to help in the kitchen preparing food. And don't assume that just because your child didn't like it the first time, they might not ever have it again. Try another day.
10. Monitor Your Child's School Lunches
