Teach Children About the Food Groups

From an early age, begin teaching your children about the different food groups. Encourage your children to eat 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-3 servings of fruit each day. One serving of vegetables equals 1 cup of leafy greens, 3/4 cup of vegetable juice, or 1/2 cup cooked or raw chopped vegetables.

Avoid using food as reward or punishment. Sending children to bed without dinner may make them think they will starve over night. They may then try and eat whenever they can to avoid starving. Sweets as a reward sends a message that sweets have more value. The best way to encourage good eating habits is to teach by example. Eat a healthy diet and your children will follow.

When baking, include recipes that include fruits and vegetables, for instance; corn muffins, apple cake and banana bread. And, most important, let your children help out as they love eating what they have helped to create.