This post has been sponsored and written by a guest writer with PRO Martial Arts of Lakewood. Dallas Moms Blog stands behind all businesses we endorse!
All parents are familiar with the struggle of getting their children (from toddlers to teens) to opt for more green veggies instead of processed, artificially-colored snacks. Smart eating is possible and PRO Martial Arts has four easy strategies to help get your family’s plate in shape this spring:
Mealtime is Family Time
Allotting time for kin to sit and discuss daily accomplishments, troubles, and goals brings comfort to both adults and children by reinforcing the support system. A strong foundation is essential for developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Portions and Positioning
Sit down meals also offer parents a platform to introduce new foods to the family.
Swap the larger serving bowls that are usually reserved for heavier side dishes of rice, potatoes and pastas for smaller dishes, and pack the larger plates with mixed vegetables. Kids will take less of the heavier options and are more likely to try something different.
Don’t Fight It, Fix It
Bargaining or bribing kids to choose fruit over cookies will get you nowhere fast. Instead, listen to what they don’t like; the solution could be as simple as switching up a preparation or cooking method to get them to change their mind.
Grant your children some control over which healthy options they do want to eat and build from there.
Find Fun Foods
Healthy eating can stabilize children’s energy, sharpen their minds, and balance their moods. While the lure for junk food can make getting kids to eat well seem impossible, we have five creative treat suggestions that are guaranteed to be a success:
- Peel a banana and dip it in yogurt. Roll in (low-sugar) crushed cereal and freeze. Great for a summer day treat!
- Stuff a whole grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon. Breakfast CAN be quick and easy.
- Ants on a log! Spread celery sticks with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese. Top with raisins or nuts. A suitable crunchy snack for tv watching.
- Snack kabobs! Put cubes of low-fat cheese and grapes on pretzel sticks. Good for a pre or post game snack!
- Rocky Road: Break a graham cracker into bite-size pieces. Add to low-fat chocolate pudding along with a few miniature marshmallows. Satisfies the sweet tooth without packing pounds.
Remember, eating habits are learned behaviors, not intuitive. What your children learn to eat at home early in life, stays with them well into adulthood.
As our children grow, they must complement their well-balanced plate with a diversified exercise program that’ll keep concentration, high, and blood pressure, low. Consider PRO Martial Arts adult or children karate programs as part of your exercise regimen. Two to three classes a week will promote physical conditioning, toning, safety and strength.
Contact PRO Martial Arts of Lakewood to learn about their class options, schedule, and childrens programs.
To read more Dallas Moms reviews of PRO Martial Arts and learn why we love to partner with this local business, read these past posts:
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by PRO Martial Arts. Dallas Moms Blog is proud to support this local business.
