Helping Children Transition To Healthy Menu Options

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Many parents struggle with knowing how to help their kids try new healthy options, especially in restaurants that limit kids menu’s to a few select high-sodium dishes.

But how does one encourage their kid to try new healthy food options?

A recent article states that parents should consider the following steps to turn meals into teachable moments while dining out:

• Establish family norms: Take at home approaches and apply them when eating out, for example, no dessert at home or when eating out.
• Be a role model: Show them how to eat healthy by choosing healthy options for yourself.
• Take advantage of Kid’s meals portion size: Many kid’s meals are adult appropriate portion sizes for at fast food chains.
• Prioritize nutrient-rich foods: Put healthy sides first by choosing fruits and veggie options instead of fries.
• Widen kids’ food horizons: Try new ethnic and different cultural restaurants.
• Practice portion control: Split up large sandwiches and include small varieties of healthy sides
• Eat family style: Select fewer entrees than eaters to limit portions, this will save money and waste less food
• Split dessert: If you do have a treat, split it up to savor it and help kids see it as a “treat” not a main part of the meal
• Quench thirst without added sugars: Opt for water, iced-tea, 100% fruit juice or low-fat milk

To read the full article and learn more about how to encourage kids towards healthier restaurant foods, click here.