August is Kids Eat Right Month™, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Academy Foundation’s chance to highlight the fight for our children’s healthy future. At GI for Kids we are dedicating to helping your kids learn how to eat right! As the Registered Dietitian for GI for Kids, I wanted to share some tips with you to get started.
Participate in Family Meals
“Children and adolescents who have regular family meals do better in all ways – nutritionally, academically, socially and emotionally, with respect to avoidance of overweight, eating disorders, and avoidance of early drug usage. Family meals have more to do with positive outcomes for children and adolescents than any other factor – extra-curricular activities, church, tutors, music lessons – you name it.” -Ellyn Satter, M.S., R.D., CICSW, BCD
- Keep it simple: You don’t have to plan extravagant dinners for family meals. Keep a few favorite, easy recipes in your meal rotation. Examples may include fajitas, lettuce wraps, and one pan sheet meals.
- Make it fun: Create theme nights with meals inspired from around the world. Get kids involved with the meal planning and preparation. Have a special picnic in the backyard or on the trampoline. The possibilities are endless!
- Reuse ingredients: Save money and time by reusing ingredients throughout the week. Turn leftover grilled chicken into chicken salad or use as a topping on a salad. Keep chopped veggies in the fridge for omelets, pasta sauce, or home-made pizza toppings.
Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen
Tips for Fueling Kids Throughout the Day
These infographics are from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Visit eatright.org for more information on healthful eating or to find a registered dietitian nutritionist.
More Parent Resources:
https://www.eatright.org/for-kids
