Transitioning Your Kids to a Whole Food Diet

We all want to instill the best eating habits we can in our children to promote optimum health and nutrition. Unfortunately with the thousands of processed foods on the supermarket shelves and commercial advertising geared toward young children today, it is hard to enforce healthy eating habits. everywhere you turn there is chemicals, additives and preservatives in many prepackaged convenience foods. It is no coincidence that childhood obesity is directly linked to adult obesity which are both on the rise in today's society.

A whole foods diet is optimal for health and nutrition. It is eating foods as close to their natural state as possible with minimal or no processing. This includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. If you eat meat try to get the best cuts you can. Grass fed and organic are always a plus. As for dairy you will want to avoid antibiotics and hormones so try to get organic whenever possible.

It's not always easy to get our kid's to eat healthy but we all want what is best for our kids health. Here are some tips to make transitioning easier.

Make the Transition a Gradual One

If your kids are used to eating a lot of processed foods you may have to introduce whole foods on a gradual basis. Their eating habits aren't going to change overnight. Try picking one thing a week to replace in their diet. Choose a healthy alternative they like. Instead of buying processed applesauce try whole apples. If they like chips try to find a healthy substitute like crunchy veggies with a dip.

Involve your Kids

This is the most important thing you can do in transitioning your children to a whole food's diet. Get your kid's involved in the shopping and cooking processes! Do you have a U-pick farm nearby? Picking strawberries, apples or your own veggies from a nearby farm will often encourage your kids to love what they are picking! Also don't be afraid to get them involved in the kitchen. They will love helping mom and dad chop, stir, bake and serve their food!

Don't Turn it into a Power Struggle

Don't turn their diet into a power struggle. Doing this may very well set your kid's up for a lifetime of food issues and possibly even an eating disorder! Try not to judge your kid's eating habits outright. You may not like them having chips and soda on occasion but if it's only once and a while it's ok.

Model Good Eating Habit's

Set an example for your children! Don't hide food from them or sneak treats when they aren't looking. Most of the time they will find out. This can cause resentment. Try to model the best eating habit's you know to your children and they are likely to follow in your footsteps. If they see mom eating chips they will probably want chips. If they see you eating your fruits and veggies they will likely follow your lead.

The transition to a whole food diet won't happen overnight, especially if your kids are used to eating a lot of processed foods. Also did you know some of the additives food manufacturers add to their products are almost addictive in nature? try to focus on the whole picture not just your day to day eating habits. With a whole foods diet you and your children will feel more connected to the world around you.