Do your kids understand how choices impact their health?
Taking care of your body through good hygiene habits and eating “green-light foods” are great ways to introduce your child to choices that will kickstart their whole health journey, but there’s more to it when it comes to making healthy decisions.
Sanford Fit’s learning platform separates the idea of whole-body health into four pillars of wellness that help your child develop life-long healthy habits.
Think your food
It’s important for kids to eat nutritious foods, so teaching kids about making healthy food choices is up to you as the parent. A nutritious diet promotes both physical and mental health while helping your kids to feel energized throughout their day.
Help them to understand that food is fuel. Food is what you eat and drink to give your body energy to move and think. Rather than labeling foods as good or bad, encourage children to stop and think, then choose the best fuel (i.e., foods that supply nutrition and energy instead of empty calories).
Healthy eating habits are more likely to stick when introduced early, so take time to discuss them and give your child chances to practice those habits. Remember, kids aren’t born with a craving for sugar, or not liking broccoli. As role models, you have the ability to greatly influence their choices and help them foster a healthy relationship with food.
Learning about food with your kids can happen in lots of different ways. Make simple recipes like ants on a log, have your kids bring their favorite snacks to school for show-and-tell, or test their knowledge on healthy snack choices to keep them engaged and focused.
Sanford Fit simplifies decision-making with the cue, “Think fit. Be fit!”
Think fit
- Stop and think about your energy and mood. These influences can help or prevent you from making a healthy choice.
- What can I do? What choices are best for my body and brain?
Be fit
- Make a healthy choice.
- Reflect: How do I feel about my choice?
Empowering children with decision-making skills gives them the chance to practice making positive decisions and equips them to make healthy decisions in the future.
Of course, not all decisions are positive. Part of learning how to make thoughtful and healthy decisions is allowing children to make poor ones. This gives them the opportunity to learn from the experience and make better decisions in the future.
So remember: Think fit. Be fit! Stop and think about your energy and mood, then make a healthy choice.
Learn more
- An easy formula for becoming a fit family
- Self-care and mindfulness benefit the whole family
- 7 healthy snacks for athletes on the go
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Nutrition, Parenting
