Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits at Home & School

As parents, one of the most important roles we have is setting a foundation for our children’s health. Healthy eating habits learned at a young age can have long-lasting effects, influencing not only their physical well-being but also their relationship with food as they grow. For elementary-aged children, this is a crucial time to instill positive habits, and the way we as adults approach food can make a significant difference. At LCA we are proud to have a partnership with Lago Dining Services, enabling our student saints to have access to healthy, freshly prepared lunches everyday. For parents, here are a few strategies you can use to encourage healthy eating with your young children at home.

1. Lead by Example

Children are highly impressionable, especially during the elementary years. They often mimic the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. One of the best ways to encourage healthy eating habits is to set an example yourself. If children see their parents making nutritious choices, they’re more likely to follow suit. Make mealtime a family affair where everyone is eating balanced meals—full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

When you sit down to eat, model good habits like eating slowly, savoring your food, and choosing water over sugary drinks. Avoid making negative comments about certain foods or dieting. Instead, focus on the joy of eating healthy, and emphasize the importance of nourishing your body for energy, growth, and feeling good.

2. Make Healthy Foods Fun

Sometimes, getting children excited about healthy food can be a challenge, but creativity can make a difference. Present fruits and vegetables in fun, colorful ways to catch their attention. For example, you can create fruit kabobs, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of whole grains and vegetables. By involving your kids in food preparation, you can let them explore different textures and colors, which may spark their curiosity.

You can also get them involved in choosing healthy recipes. Allowing them to help pick out fruits or vegetables at the store or assisting in cooking can make them more likely to eat what they’ve helped create. Research shows that children who are involved in meal planning and preparation are more likely to develop a taste for healthy foods and be more adventurous when trying new foods.

3. Create Regular Meal and Snack Times

Consistency is key when developing healthy eating habits. Establishing regular mealtimes helps children understand the importance of balanced eating throughout the day. Offer three meals a day, plus healthy snacks in between, to maintain energy levels and avoid hunger-driven unhealthy choices.

Try to avoid using food as a reward or punishment, as it can create unhealthy associations with eating. Instead, use positive reinforcement, praising children when they try new foods or finish a meal. Offering a small, healthy snack after school or during playtime will also reinforce the idea that healthy foods are part of their daily routine.

4. Keep Unhealthy Foods Out of Sight

While it’s unrealistic to completely eliminate junk food from the household, how you store these items can have a big impact. Keep healthier options like cut-up fruits, vegetables, and nuts easily accessible at eye level. For sugary or processed snacks, try placing them in less visible areas, like high cabinets, or keeping them out of reach. Having healthy choices readily available increases the likelihood your child will reach for them when they’re hungry.

5. Teach About Nutrition in a Fun, Simple Way

You don’t need to go overboard with complex nutrition lessons, but it can be helpful to introduce your child to the basic concepts of nutrition. Use simple language and make it interactive by talking about how certain foods help their body, like how carrots help improve vision, or how proteins help build strong muscles. Resources like children’s books or educational cartoons can also help reinforce these lessons in an engaging way.

6. Be Patient and Encourage Gradual Changes

It’s important to understand that changing eating habits takes time, especially for children who may be more accustomed to less nutritious options. Don’t expect immediate results. Instead, focus on gradual changes—such as replacing sugary snacks with healthier alternatives and gradually incorporating more vegetables into meals. Celebrate small wins and encourage your child when they make healthy choices, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement will help them feel empowered and more open to trying new foods in the future.