Kids Eat Right Month: 4 Steps to Become a Healthy Eating Role Model

Happy Kids Eat Right Month! As a pediatric registered dietitian (RD), I often get asked many questions about feeding children in a healthy way. This month we are discussing many topics about healthy eating with a focus on teaching children how to eat healthy. Luckily, these principles can be applied to children of all ages (including adults who are kids at heart)! 

So, the most common question I get is "How do I get my child to eat healthy?". Parents you are role models for your kids. You want the best for them. So, how does that translate to healthy eating? Here are 4 steps you can take to role model healthy eating for kids.

1) Purchase healthy foods.
If you want to eat healthy, you need healthy food options. Want to know more? Here are 8 tips for healthy eating on a budget.

2) Prepare healthy meals.
You have the healthy foods. How do you make a meal? I love the MyPlate model for building a healthy plate. Here are 3 tips for building a healthy meal. 

3) Cook with your kids.
Teach your kids life skills. Everyone needs to know how to cook to survive. Cooking at home provides so many opportunities to learn. You learn about where food comes from, flavor combinations, and cooking techniques. You experience different textures and flavors. You learn budgeting and math skills (adding, subtracting, time, and fractions). You also learn that working on something produces great results. If the results aren't great on your first attempt, you learn resilience, patience, and perseverance. It can be said that everything you need to know you can learn in the kitchen. 

4) Be a role model.
If you want your kids to eat healthy, show them how. Role model eating healthy meals and snacks. Encourage your kids to be active. Even better, go outside with them! Be an encourager by role modeling. Be a teacher and show them how it's done!

I hope you've enjoyed this month learning more about healthy eating and Kids Eat Right Month. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.