10 Tips for Improving Your Child's Diet

Are you tired of dinnertime battles and bargaining with your kids to eat "just two more bites" of their veggies? If they prefer soda to milk, or would rather snack on cookies than an apple, all hope is not lost. The following tips can help get your child's diet back on track.

1. Add healthy ingredients to foods your kids already like. For instance, add blueberries to pancakes or fruit to their favorite cereal.
2. Let your kids help you plan the menu, shop for food and prepare meals.
3. Steer clear of the potato chip aisle. Your kids can't eat unhealthy foods if you don't buy them. Without the cookies and chips to tempt them, they'll be more likely to pick up a carrot stick or an orange when they get hungry. Also, keep 100 percent fruit juice on hand and avoid buying colas and sugary drinks.
4. Have a snack schedule. Kids like routine and will know when it's time to eat. They'll also be hungry enough to eat what you offer them.
5. Keep healthy finger foods available. String cheese, carrot sticks and sliced fruit all make great finger-foods. Also, encourage snacks with more than one food group, such as cheese with whole-grain crackers, apple slices with low-fat yogurt or peanut butter on whole-wheat bread.
6. Don't force your kids to clean their plates. Children should be encouraged to stop eating when they're full. Otherwise, they may overeat and take in too many calories.
7. Make it a game for your kids to "eat their colors." Getting a variety of brightly colored foods helps kids get the most nutrients.
8. Don't cut out treats altogether. If your kids are deprived of a scoop of ice cream or slice of cake once in a while, they'll be more likely to overeat when they do get them. Moderation is the key.
9. Keep dinner at the dinner table and not in front of the TV. Eating while watching TV distracts most people from realizing how much they're actually eating. Meal time is also an important time for busy families to catch up.
10. Set a good example. If you don't eat right, your kids won't either.