Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children

Working toward positive eating habits as a family can set children up for a healthier future.  Children between the ages of 2 and 18 years should consume less than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, according to the American Heart Association. That’s about 25 grams. Yet children in the US consume roughly 16% of their daily caloric intake from added sugars alone, while missing out on the vitamin-packed foods they need in order to support their growing bodies. The abundance of added sugar coupled with foods that are low in nutrition and additional complications with less-than-ideal eating habits can make for a real challenge. It can be difficult to guide your child to healthy habits to begin with, and even more so if you’re welcoming into your family an older child, who may already have developed certain food preferences or dislikes. Thankfully, with some know-how, enthusiasm, and patience, you can help