Include your kids when making a healthy meal plan
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EmailTry these tips to help increase the fruit and vegetable intake of your family.
Creating a plan to eat healthy doesn’t need to be difficult. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. Let’s explore how to achieve this and invite the kids to join in:
- Make a list of fruits and vegetables that your family enjoys. Then expand that list by adding some new items. Check the USDA or Michigan Fresh to find out the best way to prepare them, either fresh, cooked, mixed in a smoothie or in a soup, stew or casserole.
- Try getting everyone engaged by having the kids plan a “Kid’s Day” menu. Give them the guidelines recommended by MyPlate and you can provide prizes for who comes closest to daily totals Prizes can include time with Mom or Dad to read or some other fun activity.
- Let the kids make a journal from the menus and everyone can decide which ones to use again - or even modify a recipe by including seasonal fruits and vegetables. USDA and Michigan State University Extension recommends using this game site to teach kids about fruits and vegetables. Introduce them to the science of food and food safety with simple reminders about hand washing and handling food safely.
- Resources include a list of 10 ways to get kids involved in cooking and shopping.
Allowing our children make these decisions and try different foods will help them to have greater confidence in themselves. It will also help them succeed in school and in sports. Learning to nurture themselves with nutritious food is a great gift that will last a lifetime.
