Get Your Kids Off Junk

 

 

In a perfect world, kids would choose healthy food over fast food. Of course, that’s easier said than done. But we also know they want what looks good and what’s easy to grab. So let’s take a look at some ways researchers have found to help kids make the healthy choice the easy choice.

IT’S ALL ABOUT PRESENTATION, BABY

Last year, schools were required to swap out unhealthy foods for nutritious options. Seems like a good idea, right? However, that still doesn’t guarantee that students will eat healthy. So, in a new study by Cornell University, researchers executed a nifty lunchroom makeover by taking advantage of food presentation and location. Ultimately, they estimated that students were 16% more likely to eat a whole fruit serving and 10% more likely to eat a full serving of vegetables if the food presentation is appealing and within easy reach.

OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS

The same study shows that students are more likely to power down an apple or other nutritious snacks when they are given more options, rather than force feeding them healthy foods. And it doesn’t hurt to show them the way by having a few healthy snack choices at home, such as kale chips and trail mix.

HAVE FUN WITH IT

United Supermarkets recently got into the mix by hosting an event called Junior League in the Kitchen. By setting up different stations throughout the store, kids had fun eating foods they wouldn’t normally try. At home, a great way to make healthy eating fun is by using bento boxes. You can drop in simple things like lite cream cheese lettuce roll ups, grapes in mini containers or watermelon pieces with tiny forks.
Whatever way you slice it, we’re on the right track. And with studies like Cornell’s, and help from schools and parents, the finish line is in sight.