“Promoting healthy eating habits for your keiki”

healthy eyes

Healthy eating habits start in the home and promote optimal growth and development. Did you know that children who eat breakfast on a regular basis tend to have higher academic achievement and exhibit less behavioral problems? Because their bodies are growing at a rapid pace, children need a variety of nutrients and an adequate intake of liquids every day to stay nourished. Instead of junk foods such as chips, soda, candy, and fried/processed foods, feed your keiki a balance of nutrient-dense foods such as complex carbohydrates (whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, brown or wild rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat pasta), protein (lean meat, seafood, chicken, eggs, beans, soy, soy products, unsalted nuts), fat (plant oils & natural oils from nuts, avocados, fish), fruits, vegetables, and dairy (skim or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, soy milk). It doesn’t matter if you have a picky eater or an overeater, you can learn how to provide balanced meals to your children in a way that encourages healthy eating. Making sandwiches in the form of different shapes can be fun and appealing, and getting your child involved in the preparation process might increase their willingness to try something new. Providing balanced meals on a low budget is also do-able. You can buy frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, buy foods in bulk, or prepare your own meals instead of dining out . By teaching and modeling healthy eating patterns to your children, you can set them up for success later in life and reduce their risk of chronic illnesses such as iron deficiency, obesity, diabetes, osteoprosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. Start your keiki off on the right foot and give them the proper nutrition their body deserves.”

Dr. Jan Yomogida is a Psychology Fellow and Registered Dietitian at West Maui Counseling Center. For more information go to www.westmauicounselingcenter.com or call 808-280-4192