How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy Food (In a Fun Way)
By:  Lanie Blaze
lanieblaze@eXcapethematrix.com

     I have been blessed.  My kids love a variety of foods from all different cultures and have wonderfully healthy eating habits.  They eat cucumber slices as happily as they eat potato chips.  However, not every parent is so fortunate. 

     Children can be the most finicky eaters and harshest food critics on the planet.  A meal that should take an hour can turn into a three hour ordeal when they decide that this is the week they don’t eat the same thing they’ve eaten for a year.  Some parents tend to avoid such battles by simply feeding their kids the typically non-nutritious foods they love, which include all things fried, sweet and salty. 

     Most kids believe they could survive on fast food chicken nuggets and greasy French fries alone and aren’t the least bit interested in making changes to their diets.  As a result, efforts to get kids to eat healthy food can be difficult, frustrating and even disheartening for parents. 

"For the first time in history, our children’s life expectancy is shorter than our own."

     However, with such staggering childhood obesity rates, as parents we need to do all we can to protect our children’s health and futures.  For the first time in history, our children’s life expectancy is shorter than our own.  We need to focus on bringing back the vigor of childhood to our kids.  One way to do this is to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods into their diets. 

     This task is one that tends to be easier said than done.  But with loving conviction, a few smiles and hugs and lots of patience, you can introduce your children to a wonderful world of exciting, fun and healthy food. 

Here are a few of my favorite techniques to help win kids over to the fit side… 

1. The Bait and Switch

Just about every not so healthy food has an "oh so healthy" substitute.  Instead of ordering pizza, make your own with low fat cheese, diced veggies and maybe even vegetarian pepperoni.  The key here is not making a grand announcement.  Just put it on the table and let them go for it! 

2. The Sammich

What doesn’t taste good when smashed in between two slices of bread?  Try adding tomato slices, avocado or spinach spread to your kid’s every day boring sandwiches. 

3. The Soup

Add frozen mixed vegetables (not the healthiest stuff in the world, but it’s a start) to chicken noodle or alphabet soup. 

4. Redefine Fast Food

There are healthy fast food alternatives to the traditional burger and fries places.  Franchises like Subway, Boston Market, Jimmy Johns and Quiznos offer healthy choices for kids and adults. 

5. Snack Attack

Replace unhealthy snacks with granola, fruit and veggie alternatives.  Try pita chips instead of potato or tortilla chips. 

6. Pick a Pepper