How to teach your kids about nutrition

Almost every parent can relate to cries of "What's that?" and "I'm not eating that!" at the dinner table. All over the country, parents struggle as they want their kids to have a nutritious diet, but often find it almost impossible, to get their kids to eat right. This can be a major challenge that turns the dinner table into a war zone. However, the good news is that there are several things that you can do, that will introduce your kids to good nutrition. Keep in mind that while these tips may help, it is unlikely to that kids will change their eating habits overnight. However, if you continue trying these steps, you may find that your picky eater will expand his or her menu horizons. Here is what you need to know about how to teach your kids about nutrition-

• Get them involved with the cooking-Studies have shown that kids are far more likely to eat what they have helped to make. If you can get your kids into the kitchen to help you get dinner ready, they will take pride in what they are doing, see that what's going into the food isn't that scary, and be much more likely to try it when it gets to the table. Best of all cooking with your kids not only provides a chance to teach about nutrition, but math, science and reading as well. If you are unsure as to what recipes to start with there are several cookbooks on the market that deal with cooking with kids, and there are also sites online that can guide you.
• Be an example-It's really important that you set a good nutritional example for your kids. If you are constantly passing on the vegetables, drinking soda with dinner, and loading up on dessert, you can really expect your kids to do any differently. They will take many of their nutritional cues from you. Best of all being a better nutritional example for your kids will do wonders for your own diet.
• Don't overwhelm them-You need to take a few minutes to determine what it is you want your kids to be eating. If they are lacking in a certain area, then focus on that. Most often kids (and adults) are not getting enough fruit and veggies, so try to find ways to introduce more of those in their diet and leave the rest alone, for now. This way your kids are not going to be confronted with a plateful of food, they have never seen before. If they know there are only one or two new things to try, they will be much more likely to do it, then if you give them an entire plate of unfamiliar food.
• Think about portions-While adults are often having portions that are to big, kids are much more in tune with their bodies. If your child is only eating a few spoonfuls of something and then wants to move on, that's all right. As long as they leave the table full and are not headed to the kitchen for a snack, they are getting enough. When you are teaching your child about better nutrition, offer them only a small serving of the food. Not only will this not overwhelm them, a few tablespoons or even bites, may just be the right portion.
• Be patient-Taste in food changes with everything else as we grow. Think about all of the "grown up" foods that you would never have touched as a child. Your child may taste and turn down something, only to like later down the road. Be patient if you are not successful on the first go round. As your child matures so will his or her taste buds. Reintroduce the food at any time and you may just be surprised that your picky eater has turned into an adventurous and healthy eater!