Is your student developing eating habits that support a healthy lifestyle? April is Global Child Nutrition Month, which aims to promote the importance of proper nutrition for kids throughout the world and encourage children and adolescents to develop healthy eating habits.
As a caregiver, you play a key role in helping your child develop consistent healthy eating habits that they can carry with them throughout their lifetimes. In Downey Unified School District, we truly care about all of our families and want to help foster physical and mental health for students. Below are some ways that you can partner with us to practice healthy eating habits at home with your kids.
Set the example
Children learn by example, and families are some of the strongest influencers in their children’s lives. By modeling healthy eating habits, you can help make sure that your student is making decisions that support nutrition and better overall well-being.
Include your children in meal planning
Including your children in planning and preparing meals provides them a sense of ownership and gives families the opportunity to talk to their kids about making choices and planning balanced meals.
Serve a variety of healthy meals and snacks
Children and teens are likely to eat what’s available to them in your pantry or refrigerator, so stocking up on nutritious options benefits your students when they reach for snacks when they are hungry. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, Greek yogurt, and whole-grain breads and cereals are great choices. When possible, it is best to avoid fast-food meals and fried foods.
Avoid strict rules + battles over food
Creating rigid food rules can lead to a negative association with food and potentially result in future unstable eating habits. Rather than foster negativity, help your student practice balance and moderation when it comes to food. It is also best to avoid using bribery and/or threats to get your children to eat certain foods. Instead, simply provide your kids with the food available, and they can make the choice as to whether or not they finish it.
Make mealtime an enjoyable experience
Sitting down to a meal together is a great way to make mealtime enjoyable for both you and your children. This is also a great time to create memories together and have meaningful conversations, helping your children associate healthy eating with a positive experience.
About DUSD’s Food Services
In Downey Unified, we do our part to ensure that all students have access to healthy meals throughout the school year, which is why we offer free breakfast and lunch to all of our students.
For more information visit: web.dusd.net/foodservices/