If you have young kids at home, or even teenagers, you're probably wondering how do I help them to eat healthy? I'm Charlotte Lawson, a registered and licensed dietitian here in Tampa Bay, Florida. And there's plenty of foods you could actually choose for the children, or foods that they choose themselves, that may have a healthier version. For instance, macaroni and cheese. This was a staple when I was a child, so I'm sure maybe it is in your child's diet as well. Well you can easily doctor this food up by adding some frozen vegetables, for instance, could just be a mixed vegetable, like your carrots and peas, and maybe a can of tuna or canned chicken. Blend that in there, you get an excellent source of protein, a good source of vegetables, plus it's still rich in cheesiness of that macaroni and cheese. And again, because it was something that kids liked in the beginning, it's a natural and comforting food to them. So, macaroni and cheese maybe some additives, it could be turned up once, but then they taste that natural flavor, and they're more likely to enjoy it as well. Also keep in mind involving them in the food process. When you help them choose and maybe guide their choices, or maybe make it a game. Help them choose a new fruit or vegetable for the week. This can help them be like I said feeling involved, and also confident and proud of their choices, and more likely to try or choose fruits and vegetables as well. Now keep in mind, too, when you're introducing new foods, try to introduce them with again, a favorite food. Like I talked about the macaroni and cheese being a traditional comfort food, try offering maybe a new vegetable on the side of chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets are an easy protein source for kids, but then when you have them eat a favorite food of theirs, along with the new food, they're more likely to try new things versus sticking their nose up at the place altogether. Also variety. Keep variety in mind, because kids are going to go on food jacks, they're not going to like something one week, and then maybe love it three or four weeks down the road. Try offering things a few different times. And maybe try small rewards when they try a new food. Whether it be an extra play hour, or maybe a sticker on a board. Whatever works for your child. So, variety is key there as well. Also keep in mind try not over seasoning things. Children have an easy and very sensitive palette. A lot of times more sensitive than ours. So, say if for instance, we like our broccoli cheesy and garlicked and salted, well they may not like all those flavors. So, try those fruits and vegetables plain first, and let them season as they maybe get older. Those are just a couple tips on different varieties and ways to change things and hopefully get that list of healthy foods your kids enjoy. I'm Charlotte, and eat happy.
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