7 Lessons of No Battles Better Eating - we wrote them for a video and wanted to share so you can use them too

[Guest guest]

Do you often have battles with kids over what to eat? They would jump at a

chance for pizza, crackers, donuts, cookies, French fries, soda; but at the same

time even just a simple apple or carrot is shunned. And chances are, you are

running faster and harder to keep up with everything and have less time and

patience to help them.

You are not alone. The obesity levels among children are alarming. Type 2

diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are now more common in

adolescents and teenagers than in decades past and we are actually getting

requests for these materials. TV and video games converge with high-calorie

density palatable foods and busy parents to make the struggle of healthy for

kids tougher.

We wanted to share 7 of our No Battles Better Eating Lessons to help you help

parents, teachers and childcare providers to help kids make better choices and

love the right foods. Our engaging activities are designed to make fun quality

time for all, rather than a battle. We believe everyone should enjoy their food.

1. Smell It

Fresh herbs engage many people. How fun to take a leaf, rub it between your

fingers, or chop on a block, and have a wonderful aromatic smell. Best bet?

MINT! It is in their favorite candy and can go in home made tea, on top of

fruits, in salads and tabouleh. Start learning about herbs together - smell them

in the store, buy a new one each week, grow them in the summer.

Mint Tea, Salad

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2008/03/mediterranean-inspired-salad-and-mint-tea/

2. Bake It

Banana Mini Muffins

Chocolate Chip Cookies for Kids

A great icebreaker, and snack maker, is to bake muffins. They can be a snack on

the go, breakfast, dessert. Of course you don't want to eat 12 in one day. But

you get the idea. We find they love to bake, and then take to school. We have

also included a cookie recipe. Reason: if you want them, don't buy them; make

them! It cuts down on cookie snacking and baking is a fun and positive way for

all kids to help in the kitchen.

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2008/11/banana-mini-muffins/

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2008/07/kids-chocolate-chip-cookies/

3. Make It

The end goal should be in mind. Do you really want them going into the world

without knowing how to cook a decent dinner? No one has time for cooking

lessons. But they do have to make dinner and it is great to make it a family

affair when you can.

A 2 year old can help set the table or stir lettuce in a bowl.

A 5 year old can make fruit plates.

A 10 year old can be responsible for packing their own lunch every day - do it

the night before.

A 13 year old can make dinner. After they learn to cook, let them plan and

execute a great dinner.

If you start cooking more at home and teaching them to help - you get a built in

helper, a healthier kid, more quality time, less money and running around and

better meals for all. And here is a really fun idea - eat dinner in their room!

One night my son had a chef's table in his room for my birthday. On nights that

he has a lot of homework we eat in his room while he works at his desk.

Tortilla Pizza for Kids to Make

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2008/04/tortilla-pizza/

Beware of Kid's Restaurant Meals - Calories Given

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2009/07/children-physical-activity-diet-–-part-3/

4. Buffet It

We had a huge turn in better eating when I began making a buffet. While an

all-you-can-eat buffet in a restaurant is usually a recipe for disaster, it is a

great idea at home! Why? Because you can cook a variety of healthy dishes to eat

over a few days. Everyone loves to come to the kitchen and fill their plate with

their favorite healthy food. And you can serve " just healthy stuff " so they eat

more of that. Pasta, lean chicken, many veggies, salad, fruit. It is festive, it

is fun, and they might surprise you with what they start putting on their plates

when it is their idea.

Here is a Roasted Buffet Dinner

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2009/04/roast-once-serve-three-times/

5. Assemble It

Tacos, burritos, baked potatoes, salads - put out the healthy ingredients to

make these and let them make their own. Everyone loves to be creative - even the

picky eaters. And a comment like, " wow yours looks the tastiest " goes a long way

in positive reinforcement.

Make Your Own Fajitas

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2009/07/shhhhhh-5-people-ate-16-cups-of-veggies-wi\

th-this-meal-fajitas-pico-de-gallo-guac-and-more/

6. Ready It

Slowly but surely the donuts, crackers and cookies can disappear. The baby

carrots, diced peaches, apples, watermelon, yogurt, nut butter sandwiches and

more can be ready in the refrigerator. A beautiful bowl of bananas is on the

table. Change them up so you don't get bored! If it is ready, it will get eaten

- the path of least resistance is the surest way to better habits.

Fruit Ready Now in Pictures

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2007/02/fruit-ready-now/

More Healthy Snacks for Familes

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2009/06/children-physical-activity-diet-part-2/

7. Earn It

The most surefire way to a better appetite is to burn more calories - run, walk,

play - limit screen time.

More Activity Ideas for Families

http://foodandhealth.com/blog/2009/06/children-physical-activity-diet-3-part-ser\

ies-from-the-trenches/

We hope you have found these useful. If you have a fun way to keep your kids

engaged let us know and we will share.

Judy

Judy Doherty

http://foodandhealth.com

http://nutritioneducationstore.com