Tips for Healthy Children and Families

• Reward children with praise rather than food.

• Serve food in small portions. Do not demand or reward “a clean plate”. Let your child ask for more if still hungry.

• Read nutrition labels for serving size and calorie information. The information on the labels can help you select foods that best fit into your family’s meals and snacks plans.

• Bake, broil or grill foods to reduce fat. Try healthy oils like olive, canola or sunflower if fat is used.

• Snacks count for children. Snacks should provide nutrients and energy for active, growing children.

• Keep a variety of snacks, like fresh fruit, 100% fruit juice, vegetables, whole grain cereals and crackers, in the house. Try lower calorie or lower fat foods, like baked chips, reduced sugar cereals or low fat dressings.



These tips have been approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians.