Southern California Integrative Wellness Center
Children are creatures of habit, and once they’re in a routine around what they eat, it can be tricky to introduce new foods without a struggle.
One way to gradually expand their diet to include more nutritious foods is by making food swaps. This involves changing out a less healthy food for a more nutritious one.
Here are some food swaps you can try with your child right away to improve their diet and their overall health.
There are so many options out there for avoiding the worst of refined grains. If your kids turn their nose up at the healthier options, try going half and half on refined grains and whole grains for a little while to smooth the transition.
Most takeout food is actually very easy to recreate at home using healthier ingredients. Here are a few ideas to try.
It’s simple to sneak extra nutrients into your children’s diet by including more fruits and veggies in dishes they already know and love. In many cases, they won’t even notice the recipe has changed.
Food swaps are a great way to get the ball rolling on better health for your family, but don’t forget that the ultimate goal is to raise children who want to eat well and prioritize nutrition. Take every opportunity to involve your children in meal planning, from shopping and prepping to cooking to repurposing leftovers, to encourage their interest in food and show them how a well-balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy and happy life.
If you’re having trouble with convincing your child to eat a healthy diet, or if you need more pediatric nutrition tips in general, make sure to visit Dr. Ed, top holistic pediatrician in Los Angeles.