Health & Wellness

Balance Is Key To Healthy Eating

I know what my child eats is important, but which foods are best for growth and health?

There's no single answer here. Instead, think about balance, variety and moderation. Everyone needs a good balance of all the food groups, especially fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Encourage your child to try new foods, remembering that it may take more than one trial before he or she likes a new flavor or texture.

And don't give up. Something your child didn't like when very young may be appealing in their teen years. No matter what your child's age, providing choices is important. If your child is involved in sports or other high-intensity physical activity, he or she will need to take in more calories to fuel those growing muscles. On the other hand, if the activities your child is most enthusiastic about require less movement, you'll want to adjust calories and portion sizes accordingly.

Get the kids involved in preparing meals. They'll not only learn to cook, but they'll be better equipped to make good nutrition choices. And don't forget, the breakfast or dinner table provides an opportunity to keep the lines of communication open.

Remember that children learn a lot about food from watching their parents. If your diet is based on balance, variety and moderation, it's bound to rub off.


Return to the front page