Feeding Tips

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  • Most children require exposure to food 10-15 times before they “like it”.
  • The more frequently a child sees a food, the greater chance they will “like it”.
  • Parents who eat many fruits and vegetables are more likely to have children who enjoy fruits and vegetables.
  • Girls who have physically active parents are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Children can tell when you are being truthful in your enjoyment of fruits and vegetables.
  • Children who eat a family breakfast are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
  • Praise your child when they eat fruits and vegetables but be sincere.
  • Food portions change with age. Check out www.choosemyplate.gov.
  • Providing tangible rewards when your child eats healthy foods does increase acceptance.
  • Using dessert as a reward does not increase your child’s willingness to eat healthy foods. It actually decreases your child’s liking of the food you are trying to get them to eat.
  • Peer modeling encourages healthy intake.
  • Eating meals together as a family decreases the risk of obesity and increases fruit and vegetable intake as well as less soda pop consumption.
  • The amount of food and calories a child eats is related to portion size.
  • The size of the plate used when your child eats affects the amount of food eaten.
  • Remove unhealthy foods from your child’s reach. Self-control is over rated.
  • Keep healthy foods in full view.
  • Remove reminders to eat from your child’s environment.
  • Keep the TV out of the kitchen and bedroom.
  • Make sure everyone in the family supports the pursuit of a healthy diet.
  • Never pressure your child to eat or clean their plate.
  • Never use food as a reward or as comfort to soothe your child.
  • Be a model of healthy eating for your child.