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7 Ways To Get Your Kids To Eat Healthier

Tue Oct 20 2015

Kids can be notoriously fussy, but with a little encouragement, it’s  entirely possible to have the whole family eating their five-a-day.

Stick To A Schedule
Kids need to eat every three to four hours. Keeping a bag of chopped fruit and vegetables handy can prevent their blood sugar from dipping and demands for sugary snacks to a minimum. Stock up on wholegrain crackers and yoghurt to keep hunger pangs at bay.

Delicious homemade sweet potato wedges on a plate.

Sweet potato wedges are a great side option

Plan Dinners
A good dinner doesn’t have to be fancy, just well rounded. Think of protein, a slow release carb like sweet potato or brown rice, a vegetable and some fruit to round it off. Kids love to pick, so eat family-style, with food on platters to allow everyone to choose their own dinner.

Employ the “Everyone Tries” Rule
Make a family rule that everyone must try everything at dinner before they decide against it. Introduce new vegetables and fruits every week to keep interest going, and talk about what we like and don’t like. Kids love to the be boss, and this will give them a sense of ownership over their mealtimes.

Bowl of fresh hummus dip with pita bread slices

Our hummus is ready in a jiffy and is a protein-rich snack that will keep kids going for longer

Dip It
Make yoghurt based dips and offer kids a crudité platter after school, with a few different kind of dips. Sweet chilli sauce mixed with Greek Yoghurt is a big hit with our kids, and hummus offers a protein rich snack attack.

Make Mornings Count
Family breakfasts add fun to morning time. Try to get your kids to eat a substantial breakfast, including a protein, carb and fruit option. It can be as simple as a wholegrain cereal, small yoghurt and a banana – but it will set them up for the day.

rsz_young_kids_sandwiches_[1]

Allow kids to cut out their sandwiches with cookie cutters

Get Kids Cooking
Without doubt, the easiest way to encourage your kids to eat healthier, is to include them in the food preparation. Invest in kitchen stools and kid friendly cooking implements, and make dinner prep a family affair.

Finally,

 

Play Hide The Veggie
Grate carrots, courgettes and apples into tomato-based sauces to ramp up the veggie quota. Your kids won’t realise it, but they are chomping their way to their five-a-day without complaint! Our hidden veggie bolognese is a hit with every kid that tries it.

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