Are you frustrated because your kids aren’t eating more fruits and vegetables? “Just keep trying,” recommends Sue Freck, R.D., a CHOC registered dietitian. You may have to serve a new food as often as 10 times before your child will show any interest in it!
Freck says pleasurable associations with shopping, food preparation and family meals help children develop healthy dietary habits for life.
National Nutrition Month in March, is a great time for reinforcing healthy eating habits. To help get your kids started, here are a few yummy, healthy snacks recommended by the American Dietetic Association.
- Mix together ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts in a sandwich bag for an on-the-go snack.
- Top low-fat vanilla yogurt with crunchy granola and sprinkle with blueberries.
- Blend low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana for thirty seconds for a delicious smoothie.
- Make a mini-sandwich with tuna or egg salad on a dinner roll.
- Toss dried cranberries and chopped walnuts in instant oatmeal.
- Sandwich cut-outs: Make a sandwich on a whole grain bread. Cut out your favorite shape using a big cookie cutter.
- Toast a whole grain waffle and top with low-fat yogurt and sliced peaches.
- Stuff a whole grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.
- Spread peanut butter on apple slices.
For more nutrition tips from our CHOC expert, click here:
http://www.choc.org/publications/articles.cfm?id=P00303&aid=195
