The importance of nutrition and how to teach your kids healthy habits at a young age

Hazel Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Healthy eating habits are essential for everyone, including children!

In this blog, we will talk about the benefits of healthy eating for kids, highlighting how good nutrition impacts children’s physical, emotional, and mental health! We will also explore some practical steps parents can take to encourage healthy eating habits.

Let’s dig in! 🍴

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy eating habits benefit children in many of the same ways they help adults. Teaching your child healthy eating habits at a young age can instill in them a lifelong habit of healthy eating.

‍

Why healthy eating is important

Good nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development. Healthy eating gives children the essential nutrients for physical and cognitive development. A balanced diet helps strengthen bones, boosts immunity, maintains a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

A balanced well-balanced diet consists of the following:

Protein - chicken, eggs, beans, peas, beef or fish
Fruits - fresh, frozen, canned, or dried
Vegetables - fresh, frozen, or canned
Grains - bread, rice, pasta, or oatmeal
Dairy - milk, yogurt, or cheese

‍

Food is fuel for kid’s bodies and brains

Remind your child that consuming healthy foods will allow them to grow big, strong and give them the power to play! One of our favorite ways to convey this truth to kids is to tell them that their bodies are energy machines. Explain that when they put good food in, their bodies are full of energy for play, sports, and everyday fun.

‍

Emotional regulation

The connection between nutrition and emotional well-being is often overlooked. Research suggests that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact a child’s mood and brain function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein provides essential nutrients for proper brain development - enhancing concentration, memory, and emotional stability.

‍

Be a good example

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s eating habits. Children are more likely to follow when parents prioritize healthy eating habits for themselves and the whole family. Avoid the availability of unhealthy snacks inside your home; this will benefit both yourself and your kids.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:

Celery sticks with nut butter
Apple with nut butter
Unsweetened yogurt
Low-sugar cereal
Carrots and ranch

Eat healthy meals in front of your child, and be mindful about comments you make about certain foods in front of your kids. When you splurge and have a treat, don’t show any signs of guilt or remorse - your child is looking to you on how they should feel about food.

‍

Make healthy eating fun

Introducing children to a world of healthy foods can be an exciting adventure! Engage your children by involving them in grocery shopping, allowing them to pick out new healthy foods to try. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients, and transform mealtime into interactive experiences.

‍

Teach appropriate portion sizes

Teaching kids about appropriate portion sizes helps them develop a healthy relationship with food. Use visual cues, such as comparing portion sizes to everyday objects or using divided plates. Encouraging your child to take an appropriate amount of food for their first serving and go back for seconds (if they are still hungry) to help eliminate food waste and allow them to slow down their eating and listen to their bodies to determine if they are still hungry. Kids must recognize the difference between feeling hungry, satisfied, or overly full.

MyPlate offers a variety of fun resources to teach children about portion sizes and healthy eating.

‍

‍

Focus on moderation

It’s important to prioritize healthy eating, but teaching kids moderation is just as important. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and instead focus on balance. Allowing occasional treats, such as cookies, ice cream, or other sweets, in controlled portions help children develop a healthy relationship with food and prevents feelings of deprivation or guilt.

The same goes for liquids. Encourage water as the primary source of hydration, keeping sugary drinks to a minimum.

‍

Nurturing healthy eating habits in children is an investment in their overall well-being and sets them up for a healthy future. Parents can significantly impact their children’s lives by understanding the benefits of healthy eating and implementing practical steps to encourage good habits.

Healthy eating gives children the nutrients they need for optimal physical, emotional, and mental development.

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s eating habits. Parents can create a positive food environment by leading by example, making healthy eating fun, establishing routines, and teaching moderation. Involving children in meal planning and preparation empowers them and instills a love for nutritious food at a young age.

Keep in mind that healthy eating habits take time and patience. It’s important to celebrate small victories and be understanding when challenges arise.

‍

Hazel Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Healthy eating habits are essential for everyone, including children!

In this blog, we will talk about the benefits of healthy eating for kids, highlighting how good nutrition impacts children’s physical, emotional, and mental health! We will also explore some practical steps parents can take to encourage healthy eating habits.

Let’s dig in! 🍴

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy eating habits benefit children in many of the same ways they help adults. Teaching your child healthy eating habits at a young age can instill in them a lifelong habit of healthy eating.

‍

Why healthy eating is important

Good nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development. Healthy eating gives children the essential nutrients for physical and cognitive development. A balanced diet helps strengthen bones, boosts immunity, maintains a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

A balanced well-balanced diet consists of the following:

Protein - chicken, eggs, beans, peas, beef or fish
Fruits - fresh, frozen, canned, or dried
Vegetables - fresh, frozen, or canned
Grains - bread, rice, pasta, or oatmeal
Dairy - milk, yogurt, or cheese

‍

Food is fuel for kid’s bodies and brains

Remind your child that consuming healthy foods will allow them to grow big, strong and give them the power to play! One of our favorite ways to convey this truth to kids is to tell them that their bodies are energy machines. Explain that when they put good food in, their bodies are full of energy for play, sports, and everyday fun.

‍

Emotional regulation

The connection between nutrition and emotional well-being is often overlooked. Research suggests that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact a child’s mood and brain function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein provides essential nutrients for proper brain development - enhancing concentration, memory, and emotional stability.

‍

Be a good example

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s eating habits. Children are more likely to follow when parents prioritize healthy eating habits for themselves and the whole family. Avoid the availability of unhealthy snacks inside your home; this will benefit both yourself and your kids.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:

Celery sticks with nut butter
Apple with nut butter
Unsweetened yogurt
Low-sugar cereal
Carrots and ranch

Eat healthy meals in front of your child, and be mindful about comments you make about certain foods in front of your kids. When you splurge and have a treat, don’t show any signs of guilt or remorse - your child is looking to you on how they should feel about food.

‍

Make healthy eating fun

Introducing children to a world of healthy foods can be an exciting adventure! Engage your children by involving them in grocery shopping, allowing them to pick out new healthy foods to try. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients, and transform mealtime into interactive experiences.

‍

Teach appropriate portion sizes

Teaching kids about appropriate portion sizes helps them develop a healthy relationship with food. Use visual cues, such as comparing portion sizes to everyday objects or using divided plates. Encouraging your child to take an appropriate amount of food for their first serving and go back for seconds (if they are still hungry) to help eliminate food waste and allow them to slow down their eating and listen to their bodies to determine if they are still hungry. Kids must recognize the difference between feeling hungry, satisfied, or overly full.

MyPlate offers a variety of fun resources to teach children about portion sizes and healthy eating.

‍

Focus on moderation

It’s important to prioritize healthy eating, but teaching kids moderation is just as important. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and instead focus on balance. Allowing occasional treats, such as cookies, ice cream, or other sweets, in controlled portions help children develop a healthy relationship with food and prevents feelings of deprivation or guilt.

The same goes for liquids. Encourage water as the primary source of hydration, keeping sugary drinks to a minimum.

‍

Nurturing healthy eating habits in children is an investment in their overall well-being and sets them up for a healthy future. Parents can significantly impact their children’s lives by understanding the benefits of healthy eating and implementing practical steps to encourage good habits.

Healthy eating gives children the nutrients they need for optimal physical, emotional, and mental development.

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s eating habits. Parents can create a positive food environment by leading by example, making healthy eating fun, establishing routines, and teaching moderation. Involving children in meal planning and preparation empowers them and instills a love for nutritious food at a young age.

Keep in mind that healthy eating habits take time and patience. It’s important to celebrate small victories and be understanding when challenges arise.

‍

Hazel Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Healthy eating habits are essential for everyone, including children!

In this blog, we will talk about the benefits of healthy eating for kids, highlighting how good nutrition impacts children’s physical, emotional, and mental health! We will also explore some practical steps parents can take to encourage healthy eating habits.

Let’s dig in! 🍴

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy eating habits benefit children in many of the same ways they help adults. Teaching your child healthy eating habits at a young age can instill in them a lifelong habit of healthy eating.

‍

Why healthy eating is important

Good nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development. Healthy eating gives children the essential nutrients for physical and cognitive development. A balanced diet helps strengthen bones, boosts immunity, maintains a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

A balanced well-balanced diet consists of the following:

Protein - chicken, eggs, beans, peas, beef or fish
Fruits - fresh, frozen, canned, or dried
Vegetables - fresh, frozen, or canned
Grains - bread, rice, pasta, or oatmeal
Dairy - milk, yogurt, or cheese

‍

Food is fuel for kid’s bodies and brains

Remind your child that consuming healthy foods will allow them to grow big, strong and give them the power to play! One of our favorite ways to convey this truth to kids is to tell them that their bodies are energy machines. Explain that when they put good food in, their bodies are full of energy for play, sports, and everyday fun.

‍

Emotional regulation

The connection between nutrition and emotional well-being is often overlooked. Research suggests that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact a child’s mood and brain function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein provides essential nutrients for proper brain development - enhancing concentration, memory, and emotional stability.

‍

Be a good example

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s eating habits. Children are more likely to follow when parents prioritize healthy eating habits for themselves and the whole family. Avoid the availability of unhealthy snacks inside your home; this will benefit both yourself and your kids.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:

Celery sticks with nut butter
Apple with nut butter
Unsweetened yogurt
Low-sugar cereal
Carrots and ranch

Eat healthy meals in front of your child, and be mindful about comments you make about certain foods in front of your kids. When you splurge and have a treat, don’t show any signs of guilt or remorse - your child is looking to you on how they should feel about food.

‍

Make healthy eating fun

Introducing children to a world of healthy foods can be an exciting adventure! Engage your children by involving them in grocery shopping, allowing them to pick out new healthy foods to try. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients, and transform mealtime into interactive experiences.

‍

Teach appropriate portion sizes

Teaching kids about appropriate portion sizes helps them develop a healthy relationship with food. Use visual cues, such as comparing portion sizes to everyday objects or using divided plates. Encouraging your child to take an appropriate amount of food for their first serving and go back for seconds (if they are still hungry) to help eliminate food waste and allow them to slow down their eating and listen to their bodies to determine if they are still hungry. Kids must recognize the difference between feeling hungry, satisfied, or overly full.

MyPlate offers a variety of fun resources to teach children about portion sizes and healthy eating.

‍

Focus on moderation

It’s important to prioritize healthy eating, but teaching kids moderation is just as important. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and instead focus on balance. Allowing occasional treats, such as cookies, ice cream, or other sweets, in controlled portions help children develop a healthy relationship with food and prevents feelings of deprivation or guilt.

The same goes for liquids. Encourage water as the primary source of hydration, keeping sugary drinks to a minimum.

‍

Nurturing healthy eating habits in children is an investment in their overall well-being and sets them up for a healthy future. Parents can significantly impact their children’s lives by understanding the benefits of healthy eating and implementing practical steps to encourage good habits.

Healthy eating gives children the nutrients they need for optimal physical, emotional, and mental development.

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s eating habits. Parents can create a positive food environment by leading by example, making healthy eating fun, establishing routines, and teaching moderation. Involving children in meal planning and preparation empowers them and instills a love for nutritious food at a young age.

Keep in mind that healthy eating habits take time and patience. It’s important to celebrate small victories and be understanding when challenges arise.

‍

Healthy eating habits are essential for everyone, including children!

In this blog, we will talk about the benefits of healthy eating for kids, highlighting how good nutrition impacts children’s physical, emotional, and mental health! We will also explore some practical steps parents can take to encourage healthy eating habits.

Let’s dig in! 🍴

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy eating habits benefit children in many of the same ways they help adults. Teaching your child healthy eating habits at a young age can instill in them a lifelong habit of healthy eating.

‍

Why healthy eating is important

Good nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development. Healthy eating gives children the essential nutrients for physical and cognitive development. A balanced diet helps strengthen bones, boosts immunity, maintains a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

A balanced well-balanced diet consists of the following:

Protein - chicken, eggs, beans, peas, beef or fish
Fruits - fresh, frozen, canned, or dried
Vegetables - fresh, frozen, or canned
Grains - bread, rice, pasta, or oatmeal
Dairy - milk, yogurt, or cheese

‍

Food is fuel for kid’s bodies and brains

Remind your child that consuming healthy foods will allow them to grow big, strong and give them the power to play! One of our favorite ways to convey this truth to kids is to tell them that their bodies are energy machines. Explain that when they put good food in, their bodies are full of energy for play, sports, and everyday fun.

‍

Emotional regulation

The connection between nutrition and emotional well-being is often overlooked. Research suggests that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact a child’s mood and brain function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein provides essential nutrients for proper brain development - enhancing concentration, memory, and emotional stability.

‍

Be a good example

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s eating habits. Children are more likely to follow when parents prioritize healthy eating habits for themselves and the whole family. Avoid the availability of unhealthy snacks inside your home; this will benefit both yourself and your kids.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:

Celery sticks with nut butter
Apple with nut butter
Unsweetened yogurt
Low-sugar cereal
Carrots and ranch

Eat healthy meals in front of your child, and be mindful about comments you make about certain foods in front of your kids. When you splurge and have a treat, don’t show any signs of guilt or remorse - your child is looking to you on how they should feel about food.

‍

Make healthy eating fun

Introducing children to a world of healthy foods can be an exciting adventure! Engage your children by involving them in grocery shopping, allowing them to pick out new healthy foods to try. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients, and transform mealtime into interactive experiences.

‍

Teach appropriate portion sizes

Teaching kids about appropriate portion sizes helps them develop a healthy relationship with food. Use visual cues, such as comparing portion sizes to everyday objects or using divided plates. Encouraging your child to take an appropriate amount of food for their first serving and go back for seconds (if they are still hungry) to help eliminate food waste and allow them to slow down their eating and listen to their bodies to determine if they are still hungry. Kids must recognize the difference between feeling hungry, satisfied, or overly full.

MyPlate offers a variety of fun resources to teach children about portion sizes and healthy eating.

‍

Focus on moderation

It’s important to prioritize healthy eating, but teaching kids moderation is just as important. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and instead focus on balance. Allowing occasional treats, such as cookies, ice cream, or other sweets, in controlled portions help children develop a healthy relationship with food and prevents feelings of deprivation or guilt.

The same goes for liquids. Encourage water as the primary source of hydration, keeping sugary drinks to a minimum.

‍

Nurturing healthy eating habits in children is an investment in their overall well-being and sets them up for a healthy future. Parents can significantly impact their children’s lives by understanding the benefits of healthy eating and implementing practical steps to encourage good habits.

Healthy eating gives children the nutrients they need for optimal physical, emotional, and mental development.

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s eating habits. Parents can create a positive food environment by leading by example, making healthy eating fun, establishing routines, and teaching moderation. Involving children in meal planning and preparation empowers them and instills a love for nutritious food at a young age.

Keep in mind that healthy eating habits take time and patience. It’s important to celebrate small victories and be understanding when challenges arise.

‍

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About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel’s diverse, culturally competent providers specialize in the health challenges of children and teens and partner with parents and school staff to make the best care decisions for students. Hazel is committed to improving health care equity and is available regardless of family income, geography, insurance status, or ability to pay. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care, because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at hazel.co.

About Hazel

Hazel Health is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of school-based telehealth. By partnering with districts and health plans across the country, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to pediatric healthcare. Today, Hazel’s licensed providers deliver teletherapy and virtual care (in school or at home) to over four million K-12 students, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive: in school, at home, and in life.

Learn more at hazel.co.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel serves nearly 2 million students across 100 school districts, helping to reduce chronic absenteeism and unfinished learning by addressing gaps in health care access. As an extension of the school health team, Hazel helps schools immediately address student physical and mental health care needs. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel helps school districts address chronic absenteeism, unfinished learning, and school enrollment, by addressing gaps in health care access.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a doctor or therapist, children can see a Hazel provider for a telehealth visit, at no cost to families. With guardian permission, Hazel’s telehealth platform allows children to connect with a health care provider within minutes, or a therapist within days of referral. Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. At no cost, and regardless of insurance status, Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works.