Children need positive food experiences to build a healthy relationship with food and food choices. Work together with your child to find a healthy recipe and make the dish together. If you eat outside the home, explain clearly what you expect the child to put on his plate. Remind him of the importance of selecting foods from each food group. Define the child’s limit on sweets. Acknowledge him throughout the meal as you notice him making thoughtful and healthy food choices. Try this to encourage healthy eating at home with children:
To help your child learn to balance meals, draw the following diagram on a paper plate and practice at home. Current healthy guidelines recommend half of a plate of fruits and vegetables, a quarter low-fat protein and a quarter whole grains.
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