Everyone has a role to play in making sure our children have a healthy future.
That’s why the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Academy’s Foundation announce the first Kids Eat Right Month to be observed each August.
Kids Eat Right Month focuses attention on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles for children and families.
Kids can have fun eating right and being active.
Parents and caregivers can set a good example by having a healthy environment at home which can in turn set kids up for a lifetime of healthy eating and active lifestyles. Key things to consider include:
Shop Smart
To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get children involved in planning and selecting the food that will appear at the breakfast, lunch and dinner table.
When kids are involved with the planning of meals, they are more likely to try new foods.
Cook Healthy
Involve children in the cutting, mixing and preparation (age-appropriate) for all meals.
Even a snack can be healthy.
Eat Right
Enjoy family meals together.
This is an important step to improving family health and bonding. What a great opportunity a family meal is for eating healthy and sharing the day’s experiences with one another.
Move Every Day
Kids need 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous active play. Get active as a family. Take a walk together after dinner, and try to plan fun activities each week.
To learn more about how you can shop smart, cook healthy and eat right, check out www.kidseatright.org. Several healthy, kid-friendly recipes are available here as well.