Kids in the kitchen can lead to healthier eating

Getting kids involved in the meal planning is a good strategy to promote a balanced meal and a healthy one.

I know this sounds so simple but some of the best strategies for dealing with kids are pretty straightforward.  If they help decide the menu and help in the preparation, then they are a little more vested in eating it.

Here is a simple way to get started:

Print this free colorful and kid friendly food pyramid.

Have the kids plan the menu requiring them to pick a food from each of the food groups.

Have the kids help pick out the fresh fruit and vegetable at the grocery store.  Here is a cute guide for kids and parents to buying fruits and vegetables in season and how to pick them.

Have your child help in the preparation.  Depending on their age, kids can do quite a bit to help.  Here is a quick guide on cooking activities based on the child's age.

Have the child name the meal or special dish.  Yes, add the little extra fun in it.  "Tony's SuperSonic Meal" or "Jazzie's Dreamy Surprise" .  Kids are very imaginative, let them come up with a fun name that they can use to introduce their meal to the family.