How to Make Kids Eat Every Meal

As adults, the concept of eating at a meal seems relatively natural, but anyone with kids knows that for them, that's not necessarily the case. To get your kids to eat sensibly and obtain the nutrition they need at every meal, you'll need to establish a routine and maintain health as your priority (which is where this article comes in). Before you know it, your schedule will be more simple and efficient, and your kids will be getting the nutrition they need. It's the best situation for all involved!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• An eating plan (you probably feel like you're scheduled enough as it is, but being aware of when your kids eat is the most important part of getting them to eat when they should)

1. Establish regular eating times on weekdays AND weekends. Sometimes with the transition of weekday work and school to weekend fun and leisure, we tend to lose consistency in our diets and nutrition plans. However, if you maintain structure in mealtime preparation and consumption, you'll be more aware of what your kids are eating. You can determine when an appropriate time is for a healthy snack and when to tell your kids they need to wait until dinner.
2. Establish two snack times and one dessert time. Again, it's important to stay specific about what and when your kids eat. Distinguish between snack and dessert; only one of these three non-meal occasions should be a sweet choice. During other snack times, choose something small but satisfying with protein and carbohydrates. The combination of carbs and sweets alone will not satisfy your child's appetite in the end; it will only spoil the meal. The more sustaining protein-carb-rewarding sweet combination provides healthy consistency. Think along the lines of yogurt to include protein in an otherwise sugary smoothie. Also try cheese and crackers, yogurt with sprinkled granola and nuts (assuming there is no allergy), a slice of whole grain bread and turkey or peanut butter on an apple.
3. Get your kids used to club soda (bubble water) even if you have to mix in a sweet juice like cranberry or apple or a hit of grenadine to warm them up to the new idea. Don't load them up on soda before a meal. Or ever for that matter! Overall, club soda is better than a glass of high fructose corn syrup, which will spike your kids into hyper mode and then crash their blood sugar in the end.
4. Be aware of timing and appetite. Limit children to one slice of bread with butter while waiting for the main meal. Consider asking for whole grain if it's available. Being aware of small moderations like this can go a long way in promoting health and wellness for your growing child.

Tips & Warnings

• Be fun! A lot of times, kids rebel against eating because it seems like just another chore. You may have graduated from the Airplane game in the high chair, but don't forget the importance of variety in taste and cuisine when trying to get your kids to eat their veggies.
• Be interactive. Find out what your kids like, and ask them to go shopping with you. Getting their input could make the result you want easier than you think.
• Be aware of what you're feeding your kids, and keep in mind the importance of health when you're shopping for them.
• Health and freshness may cost you. Especially given the state of the economy these days, groceries are rising to record high prices. Be aware that sometimes being economical may cause you to overlook important health factors. Be sure to plan ahead and decide where you can cut costs and where you can make monetary compromises to ensure better health.