Lenny & Ivan's Orange Health Systems

Does your child love to eat junk food so much that you are worried your little angel is not getting the nutrients that his/her young body needs? Though it is a known fact that junk foods contain empty calories, many of us still enjoy eating them, especially the kids. In fact, kids these days would prefer eating a bag of Lays or Fritos over a bowl of salad. And if the kids have been used to eating junk foods, it would be quite difficult to make them give up junk foods. But worry not this article will teach you ways to help decrease your child’s junk food intake.

•       Stop stocking junk foods at home. The temptation to eat junk foods increases if you stock them at home. Therefore, if you truly want to curb your child’s appetite on junk foods, you should avoid buying them in the first place. Instead, pack your kitchen cabinet with oats and healthy cereals.

•           Teach your child the importance of eating the right kinds of foods. At a young age, you should start pointing out to your kids why it is important that they know how to make healthy food choices. Make them understand why they should stay away from junk foods. Tell them eating junk foods can hurt their body. Point out that junk foods do not contain vitamins and minerals, which the body needs to function properly. As long as you explain to the kids why you want them to steer clear of junk foods, they would likely understand.

•            Always prepare a healthy breakfast for your child. To help your child form healthy eating habits and ditch the bad ones, it is important that you initiate the changes. That said, your kid should start the day eating a healthy and hearty breakfast – oats, skim milk, whole grain cereals, and fruits. Eating a healthy breakfast will satisfy your child’s appetite and will provide your child with energy to help him/her focus on school tasks.

•            Recognize your child’s healthy behaviors. It is vital that you praise your child every time he/she makes healthy choices. Doing so will make them feel good about themselves, and will likely continue doing what they are doing.

•        Prepare pre-packed healthy snacks. Normally, kids reach out for junk foods since they are accessible. Therefore, pre-packing appetizing healthy snacks and making them available in the fridge will make your kids choose them over the junk foods.

While it is possible for you to purchase vitamin and mineral supplements for kids in US or Canadian pharmacy, it is best that your kids get the nutrients directly from real food sources. It would be a good idea to take your kid with you when you buy groceries and ask your kid to pick fruits and vegetables so he/she will become familiar with them. Give your kids the opportunity to pick the fruits or veggies that they like to allow them to make responsible food choices.