Getting Your Baby to Eat Healthy.

Photo by iandeth

Healthy Kids' Food:
10 Tips to Inspire
Heathly Eating Habits

by Tara Miller

Getting children to eat healthy, nutritious foods isn't always a walk in the park.

Many kids have serious reservations about eating their greens and most have palates that appreciate a fine grilled cheese sandwich much more than an equally fine but healthier plate of veggies.

While it may take some work, you can convince your kids to start making healthier choices.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started...


  1. Set an example.

    If you turn your nose up at carrots or broccoli, it's much more likely that your kids will, too. Set a good example by eating these healthy foods for yourself. Not only will it do wonders for your persuasive power, it will also make you healthier as well!

  1. Go micro.

    For those who simply cannot get their kids to even try healthier foods, a little subterfuge may be in order. Many parents find that chopping up veggies to a super fine degree and sneaking them into sauces or other foods kids already like can be very effective. Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious has some great recipes you may want to check out.


  2. Train their taste buds.

    Most of us have become less picky as we've grown up and it truly does take some time to get used to eating certain flavors or foods. Gradually introducing more of these healthy foods into your kids' diets can help them slowly build up a taste for them.


  3. Encourage trying.

    Consider making it a rule that kids have to at least try a food before they can turn their noses up at it.


  4. Get them involved in gardening.

    One way to get kids a whole lot more excited about veggies is to have them grow their own. The process of planting, caring for, and finally harvesting their own food can make healthy eating much more appealing and fun than anything you can buy at the store.

Kids cooking in the kitchen.

Photo by tiffanywashko
  1. Allow them to help you cook.

    Along these same lines, letting your child take an active role in the preparation of food will not only help them learn how to cook healthy, but also give them a much stronger investment in their food choices. Kitchen Towers are a great way to get your kids safely up to counter height.


  2. Go with what they like.

    If your kids love certain veggies and fruits, embrace that and allow them to eat more of these instead of forcing other foods. Eventually they may come around to other veggies, but make the most of their present tastes!


  3. Eat together.

    Making healthy eating a family affair can show kids how to make good food choices, offer you a chance to spend time together, and encourage you to slow down and enjoy your meal.

Boy eating raw veggie bento.

Photo by tiffanywashko
  1. Don't buy the bad stuff.

    It's a whole lot harder to get your kids to eat well in a house filled with soda, candy, and chips, so keep these types of purchases to a minimum to encourage healthier snacking.


  2. Make it fun.

    If eating right is a painful, unpleasant experience for your kids they may shun it for life. Don't threaten or punish. Instead, make eating healthy foods fun, exciting, and even creative and you'll have healthy eaters for life!

This article was contributed by Tara Miller, who writes about pharmacy schools on her web site. She welcomes your feedback at TaraMillerr00 at gmail.com.