References:
Why Is Childhood Nutrition Important?
- Providing your child with nutritious food can help them develop, grow, perform better academically, and help them feel good about themselves
- Having good nutrition can prevent eating disorders, obesity, dental issues, and other diseases
What Is Healthy Eating?
- Eating a variety of foods so your child gets the nutrients needed for normal growth
What are Poor Eating Habits?
- Eating a limited variety of foods
- Refusing to eat certain food groups like vegetables
- Eating too many foods with poor nutritional quality
What Can Cause Poor Eating Habits?
- Available food choices
- Wanting to have a personal choice
- Emotions
What Are the Risks of Poor Eating Habits?
- Weaker immune system
- Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure later in life
How Do I Support Heathy Eating Habits in My Child?
- Eat as a family as much as possible
- Make healthy choices for family meals
- Eat at similar times each day
- Avoid distractions like TV at meal times
- Offer a variety of food items from all the food groups at meal times
- Include children in preparation of food when age appropriate
- Avoid using dessert as a bribe
- Teach your child how you read nutrition labels when you go shopping
Further Your Knowledge:
- Caring for Kids – Healthy eating for children
- HealthLinkBC – Healthy Eating for Children
- DKB - Infant Nutrition Recommendations
- DKB - Toddler Nutrition Recommendations
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