Dad Can Help a Diet
Whether it’s you or your partner that does the cooking, you can still play a big role in creating great eating habits for your kids. Here are some things you can do to make sure your children grow up with a healthy focus on food.
Have a Family Dinner: It’s not always easy to eat together every night, but make it a point to dine together at least once a week, if not more. This is not only a time to connect with the kids, but to set an example. If you eat right, they are more likely to do so themselves.
Tivo the Game: Make a rule that there are no gadgets, papers or shows during dinner. Eat at the dinner table, not in the family room in front of the TV. Once the shows are off, your conversation and focus can be on the food and your family—as it should be.
Take What You Need: This is your chance to show your kids what reasonable sized portions look like. These days restaurants and fast food stops are so focused on “value” that the amount of food served on each plate is way more than anyone should eat. Use dinner at home as an opportunity to teach your child that sometimes less is more.
Appreciate Your Food: Take the time to enjoy what you’re eating, rather than gobbling it up on the run. Most kids don’t think beyond the supermarket. Now is a perfect moment to teach about the origin of different foods and how they get to your table. It’s also a good time to thank the chef.
Wear the Apron: Try cooking with your kids sometime. Show them how to prepare your favorite healthy dishes. Let them participate by stirring, mixing, peeling or chopping, and they are much more likely to try whatever it is you are serving. Whether you are the family’s full-time cook or just a guest chef, moments like these will give everyone a greater appreciation for nutritious food.