Raising Healthy Eaters: Set the example

So in our quest to make our children healthier eaters, it seems as though it is a never ending battle. With all the advertisements pressuring our kids to eat highly processed, sugar and fat laden, chemically and genetically modified foods, it is difficult to convince a 4 or 7 year old that the stuff with their favorite cartoon character on the label is "bad" for them, while the boring apple sitting on the table is "good" for them.

I've tried every trick in the book to get my kids to eat healthy. I say no. I offer them lots of choices. I offer them healthier choices. I've even been the "mean mommy" a few times too. But I am tired of being the "mean mommy". I want my boys to make the decisions themselves, and to truly like healthy food.

I found the trick that works like a charm. You want to know what it is? Set the example. That's it. When I ask my kids what they want to eat, they are always going to choose what they "want" even if it is unhealthy. But if they see me eating something healthy, they want a bite, then they realize it tastes good because they saw me eat it first and enjoy it.

My son didn't like eating raw tomatoes on anything. I had to pick them out of whatever taco or food he had. Now he can't get enough of them. I eat caprese salad with mozzarella, cut up fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and italian seasoning. He eats it up like its chocolate.

A few days ago I made turkey sandwiches for dinner. He hates deli meat and just wanted a cheese sandwich with mayo. Today for lunch I made turkey wraps. All it was was deli-fresh turkey, reduced fat cheddar cheese, cut up fresh tomatoes, mayo and salt and pepper. He saw me eating them and wanted a bite. He liked it so much and wanted his own. So I made them and called them "Turkey Tacos" because thats what they looked like. He ate it just fine, for a boy who does not like deli meat and tomatoes.

So in the battle of trying to get your kids to eat healthier, try setting the example. Its kind of hard for you as a parent to tell your kids to eat their vegetables when you don't eat your own. :)