Food for Kids: 3 Mistakes Even Smart Moms Make

SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

« Back |

Food for Kids: 3 Mistakes Even Smart Moms Make

To keep your kids happy and healthy, avoid making these three food mistakes.

By the editors of FITNESS

Mistake 1: Not giving kids a choice.

"Children are much more likely to eat healthy foods when they get to pick them out, instead of being railroaded into eating them," says nutritionist Kathy McManus, RD, a FITNESS advisory board member. "Take your child to the store and let him choose one fruit, one vegetable, and several healthy snacks."

Mistake 2: Not offering a food because you assume she won't eat it.

"Often children who are picky eaters have parents who simply didn't expose them to enough variety," McManus says. Your child may not like baby carrots the first few times she tries them, but keep serving them. You'll be surprised at what they start to enjoy.

Mistake 3: Not allowing special treats.

"It's important to give kids the occasional ice cream cone or chocolate bar. If you forbid them, your children are going to want them more -- and never learn balance," explains McManus. Here's permission to indulge them a few times a week.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, July 2007.