They Are What they Eat: Healthy Eating Habits for Children

Guest Post

There is no fault in the saying, "You are what you eat." As vitamins, minerals, and fats are transferred from these edible goods to our bodies, they make up the foundation by which we develop. As a parent, you must be watchful about what foods you provide for your children. Although their metabolism may help them burn away a large portion of fats and sugars, some children may be void of that luxury. It you provide a healthier eating habit while the child is young, he or she may continue that habit throughout his or her life.

1. Snack Time - Sometimes, it may be fun to provide a chocolate treat or other sugary snack. It shouldn't become a habit for sweets to be a part of your everyday routine, however. Although these are tasty and there are mental benefits to chocolates, over indulgence could become a problem as the clothing begins to shrink on everyone in the household. Your body mass is expanding and not in the good Pebble Beach way either.

2. Veggies - Children can become quite finicky when it comes to particular vegetables. The trick is to incorporate them at an early stage and demonstrate to the child how good they are. Left over mushrooms from cooking can make a great snack before dinner. With a side of ranch, these dipping slices are far superior to salted chips. Raw vegetables are usually easier to hide as a tasty addition to foods, especially if you have a little one who is into dinosaurs. Herbivores are healthy because they eat these kinds of foods and, to be perfectly honest, most vegetables have a pungent smell to them when cooked that many don't like.

3. Proteins - While a bag of sugary cereal is a great attraction for children, cooking an egg or two with a glass of orange juice can be far healthier and cheaper to create. Cheese sticks could replace the after school candy bar and provide far better health benefits. Meats including fish, beef, and chicken are an excellent addition to any meal-time. Tuna fish is exceptionally beneficial for children as it has omega 3 fatty acids which promote fat burning capabilities and brain promoting vitamins and minerals.

4. Berries - For children that need some sweetness in their life, berries are naturally sweetened and promote a healthier living over that of sugar-coated snacks. Berries can help reduce the onset of arthritis, provide a source of vitamin C, and even supply a person with a source of fiber.

5. Water - Saturation is one of the most important keys to living healthy. Water is one of the most important aspects of any healthy diet and can change a person in profound ways. Moving water through your body provides the means in which your body can remove toxins and waste. As our bodies are mostly water, it only makes sense that we would benefit from this substance greatly.

While it may be easier to pull up to a drive-through window over spending 30 to 45 minutes in the kitchen preparing a healthy meal, you must resist the temptation of repeated convenience. The food you are putting in your bodies from this expedited process of feeding could be having lasting affects on yourself and your child. Besides, it is cheaper in most cases to eat healthier at home than it is to frequent the drive-through.

Author Bio:

Rachel is an ex-babysitting pro as well as a professional writer and blogger. She is a graduate from Iowa State University and currently writes for www.babysitting.net. She welcomes questions/comments which can be sent to rachelthomas.author @ gmail.com.