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Step 1
Identify unhealthy food advertising that is targeted to your child. Children are usually exposed to this type of advertising on television, through parental example and by their peers.
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Step 2
Regulate your child’s exposure to television advertising. Programming targeted to children carries the most advertising for fast food. The best bet is to remove the television. If that is not possible, try shifting your child away from the children’s channels. Also consider getting your child interested in other forms of entertainment.
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Step 3
Give your child burgers and fries if they ask for them, but make them yourself, in reasonable portions. If she is old enough, let your child help prepare the food or set the table. Stress the fact that good food really isn’t fast and it certainly shouldn’t be eaten fast.
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Step 4
Lead by example. Children pay far more attention to what their parents do than to what they say. Let your child see you eating good home cooked food, in sensible portions, at the table and never in front of the television.
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Step 5
Teach your child about proper nutrition. It’s never too early. Don’t be afraid of dietary fats, especially fats that come from dairy and meats. These fats are a necessary part of a healthy diet.
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Step 6
When your child leaves the house, send him traveling with healthy home made snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables, hard cheeses and dried meats.
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Step 7
Find out whether your child’s school is promoting fast food by using food coupons as incentives for learning. Talk to the school principle and other parents. Make it known that you don’t want the school to promote fast food to your child without your consent.
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Step 8
Introduce your child to new foods that taste good. Show him that there’s a lot of variety and that tasty food is more than just burgers and pizza. Follow these strategies and see your child’s desire for fast food gradually disappear.
