It’s the dreaded trip to the supermarket. Most of us try to avoid dragging the kids down the aisles, preferring to dart in and out during moments alone. Although it takes more work and time, the grocery store can be a great tool to teach kids how to make healthy choices. Here some tips to help raise savvy AND healthy shoppers.
- Assist with meal planning – Involve the kids in the meal planning decisions. Give the kids some options for the main course and have them pick their favorites. Let them help select the side items by encouraging healthy suggestions.
- Make it a game – Before you go, sit your kids down and talk about how you want to see the shopping cart full of healthy foods. Print out your list and have the kids help you find the various items.
- Use the produce section to educate – Most grocery stores have an assortment of fruits or vegetables kids have never tried. So if you’ve never purchased mangoes, but the kids seem intrigued, buy one for them to taste test when you get home! Have them select a new fruit or veggie to take home and try.
- Show them the labels – Kids don’t need to know what everything on a label means but they can start to grasp why 15 grams of sugar in their breakfast cereal is not a great choice.
- Let them help you come up with healthy alternatives – Make your own baked sweet potato fries instead of buying frozen French fries or purchase the ingredients for homemade pizzas, complete with low-fat cheese and veggies, instead of ordering from the local pizza parlor.
- Find healthy treats – Make a healthy banana split: Pick up fresh bananas and low-fat, no sugar added frozen yogurt. They can sprinkle with a few pecans or walnuts for a delicious treat.
What are some ways that you involve your children in the grocery shopping experience?
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