Involving your kids in the kitchen

Involving your children in the kitchen might present a great opportunity to teach your children about nutrition.

Kids, especially the younger ones, are so open to learning and spending time with mommy and daddy. Giving them simple instructions while preparing the meal lets you talk to them about the different ingredients found in food.

• Why some food should be eaten in smaller portions
• Why other foods should be eaten in larger portions
• Stressing to your child the importance of each of the five food groups
• Why you need to eat all five groups everyday

All these simple message will begin to set the seeds of the importance of a balanced diet. It's hard to believe but most kids do not eat a balanced meal. Yes, I know you probably have already heard this or read this before. But I have to say it again. Less than 20% of children eat a balanced meal. Many meals are too heavy in fat and proteins and too low in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Start with the simple basics. You may be surprised that they will remember if they hear the message enough. If you repeat in different ways, they will learn that it is an important message. Don't forget the activity part. That is all part of being balanced, healthy meal and activity every day.