FOOD FOR YOUR KIDS

They’re Watching You …What to DoYou have the earliest and perhaps biggest impact on the eating and physical activity habits your children take into adulthood. Here’s what you can do to help ensure their healthy future:

Be a role model. Your kids love to imitate you, so when you eat right and are physically active, they’re more likely to do so, too. Display a positive attitude showing that healthful habits such as trying new foods and taking a daily walk are fun and help you feel good.

Make the most of mealtime. When families eat together, children tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamins C and E and several B-vitamins, and fewer soft drinks, fried foods, saturated fat and trans fat. Too busy for weekday dining? Try sitting down to breakfast on weekends.

Take a cue from your kids.
Your job is to make sure a variety of nutritious foods are available for meals and snacks. Your child’s job is to decide what and how much to eat. When you let kids listen to their own body cues—rather than urging them to clean their plates—they’re more likely to eat sensible portion sizes.
Teach about treats. Kids occasionally can enjoy treats like cookies, candy and soft drinks in small amounts. NABISCO 100CALORIE PACKS are reasonable portions for a treat for kids (and adults).

Promote a positive body image. Tweens and teens are often self-conscious about the size or shape of their bodies. You can foster a healthy body image by explaining to your child that every body is unique and that there’s no perfect body size or shape. See Tips to Keep Kids at a Healthy Weight.