Nutrition Month 2018 – Unlock the potential to discover
Foster healthy eating habits in children by teaching them to shop and cook
As a grandparent, parent or caregiver you can foster healthy eating habits in children by teaching them to shop and cook.
1.Pick a recipe together:
Children need to be part of the plan from the beginning, and it helps if they prepare something that they love to eat. Shop for groceries together too!
2.Incorporate learning:
Build on lessons they learn in school, such as math, social studies, media literacy, spelling, science and reading. Younger children can practice fine motor skills.
3.Keep it fun!
Imaginative play helps children get deeply involved.Make a theme night or turn your kitchen into a restaurant or reality cooking show.
4.Be a role model:
If you’re excited, they will be too. Try a new food, describe the flavour and be adventurous to inspire your eaters to do the same. Get other members of the family involved.
5.Be cool about the mess:
Spills and accidental messes happen, and it’s important to remain calm about little mishaps. Keep kitchen towels handy for cleaning up spills.
What can my child do to help cook?
Here’s a guideline of kitchen skills based on age:
- 2-3 year olds can wash vegetables and fruit or tear lettuce and salad greens
- 3-4 year olds can mash potatoes and bananas or mix together batters
- 4-6 year olds can measure dry and liquid ingredients or set the table
- 6-8 year olds can toss salad ingredients together or make a simple breakfast
- 8-12 year olds can make their own school lunch or help to plan meals
- Teens can follow more complicated recipes or assemble and mix most ingredients. They can also be in charge of making one meal per week.
Visit NutritionMonth2018.ca for more information, or download the factsheet here
Brought to you by our friendly Registered Dietitian team at Health Stand Nutrition Consulting Inc. For more balanced living advice check out our RESOURCE MEGA BANK of nutrition articles, videos, healthy recipes, newsletters and meal planning kits here: www.healthstandnutrition.com/personal-nutrition/resource-mega-bank/