Trying to raise a healthy eater

Toddlers can be tough when it comes to eating, well kids in general, but I think toddlers especially.   Ralphy has never been a "picky eater," thank God.   Ever since he was a baby, he has always been pretty good when it comes to food.

I have a few friends that  are getting ready to enter the world of solid foods and they are always asking me "How do you get Ralphy to be such a good eater?" and "How did you get him to eat fruits and vegetables?"  Like I mentioned previously, I think I'm lucky because he has never been  a problem and by all means, I'm no expert, but here are a few things that we do in our house to make sure that he is eating and most importantly eating healthy:

• Buy Fruits-  discover what fruit your baby likes the most and the only way to do that is to buy them.
• No junk food-  He is very limited on the amount junk food he eats. My mentality is, if its not in the house his not going to want it. We do  buy chips,ice cream and cookies once in awhile, but he is not allow to  have any before dinner. 
• Pack a healthy school lunch/ snacks- Ralphy gets lunch at school, but I have to  pack a afternoon snack.  What's in his  lunch box? sliced apples, dried cereal or a yogurt and a juice to drink. Never chips, candy or soda.
•  Home cooked meals-  I know this is a tough one because times have changed and we just don't have the time like we used to.  I'm  blessed to have my mom to help me with the cooking ( and everything else).  So, with that in mind, I think its important  for kids to get a home cooked meal whenever possible.  Planning meals for the week helps.

These are just things that we do to try  to create healthy eating habits.  Every child is different and sometimes it takes trying different things to find what works best for you and your family.

I love to read your tips and ideas as well . How do you get your kids to eat their fruits and veggies?

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