Supporting Children with Healthy Eating Habits at Home

  5 Things to Know or Do

1. Eat together as a family. Children who sit down and eat meals with their families are more likely to develop healthy eating habits.
2. Use the MyPlate method. One easy way to make sure children are getting enough fruits and vegetables is to make half of their plate fruits and vegetables for all meals and snacks.
3. Provide healthy beverages. Children should drink as much water as possible. Limit milk to 2 cups and no more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day.
4. Choose whole grains. When buying items like bread, pasta, and rice, choose the whole grain version. Whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice are great sources of fiber and vitamins.
5. Involve children in planning grocery shopping lists and cooking meals. Children are more likely to try new foods when they help choose what they eat.

4 Ways Children can Help in the Kitchen

1. Wash fruits and vegetables in the sink
2. Stir ingredients in a bowl
3. Set the table
4. Count ingredients 

3 Links to Visit

1. Virginia Family Nutrition Program - This program teaches families how to make healthy food choices on a budget.
2. MyPlate - The MyPlate website has a lot of information on food groups and how to make better food choices for your health at any age.
3. 7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables - This article explains how you can keep your family safe from food borne illnesses by safely washing produce before eating it.

 2 Videos to View

1. MyPlate: Real Solutions from Real Families
2. How to Make a Healthy Snack: Peanut Butter and Apple Wrap

 1 Book to Read with your Child

1. I Can't Eat That Stuff

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