Ten Fun Tips for Getting Kids Engaged in Healthy Eating

We’ve all been there. It’s an hour past lunchtime, and it’s all you can do to find the energy to pull the ring-top on a can of processed something-or-other. You know there are better alternatives, but your first priority is making sure your growing child actually eats something.

Unfortunately, the obesity rates in teens are alarmingly high, with 16% of teens being overweight and almost 14% ranking as obese. These statistics are especially important when you consider that 208,000 Americans under age 20 are estimated to have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

This is why Livliga has partnered with The Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition (CCHLN). During the month of September, 10% of all sales will be donated to help fight childhood obesity. Here’s the good news: with just a little bit of planning, it’s actually cheaper and easier to feed your family with healthy, at-home meals. Here are 10 ideas to inspire your kids with healthy eating habits and keep them safe from the rising obesity epidemic. 


1. KITCHEN STAPLES

First things first. You can’t eat healthy food at home unless it’s actually in your home.  Involve your children in writing a shopping list with healthy eating choices. Ingredients for Kidliga dishes like Mrs. Strawberry’s Easy Peasy Quinoa Salad can be stocked ahead of time, which saves time on grocery store visits.

2. VITAMIN CHALLENGE

Teach kids about the types of vitamins in the whole foods that make up the favorite dishes they eat. For example, did you know that a yellow bell pepper has more Vitamin C than a lemon? Turn “Vitamin Hunt” into a fun mealtime game. 

3. MAKE IT PRETTY

Draw a face on a soft-boiled egg with edible-ink pen markers. Cut sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Help your children decorate the edge of plates with parsley “trees”, cinnamon “snow” or a ring-o-raisins. 

4. WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Create fun names for dishes together with your children (Ants on a Log and Pigs in a Blanket are two existing examples). Then, encourage your children to draw menus with all the healthy dishes you’ve created together.  

5. FANCY SCHMANCY

Set the table together with a vase of flowers and a pretty tablecloth. Light candles and let children make a reservation for your highly exclusive restaurant. This is especially fun with decidedly simple foods such as cereal with yogurt or grilled cheese sandwiches.

6. KIDS FUSION

Use chopsticks for Asian-inspired meals such as non-spicy peanut butter sauce over Udon noodles. If you’re prepared for an after-meal cleanup, teach your children about Ethiopian Injera or Indian Naan and let them scoop their food with bread instead of using a fork.

7. PLAY CHEF

Make time for play (and learning) in the kitchen. Assign some age-appropriate cooking tasks for each child. Getting kids involved in preparing meals gives them a sense of accomplishment and they will be far more likely to eat a meal that they themselves helped to prepare. 

8. SLOW IT DOWN

Slow cookers (aka crock pots) may just be a parent’s best friend. Not only can you actually leave your house while the crock pot is working its magic, it’s easy to add vegetables in a delicious stew. Chop kale into very fine pieces. Use a cheese grater for carrots. By the time it’s all blended together, kids and adults will love eating their vegetables. (Time-saving tip: Use cooking spray on the inside of the crockpot before each use for easier cleanup!)

9. BLEND IT OUT

Smoothies are a great way to get fruit and veggies into a kid’s diet. Plain yogurt offers both protein and probiotics. Freeze leftover fruit which otherwise might have gone to waste. Frozen berries will not only add sweetness, but will enhance the taste of the handful of baby spinach you are about to sneak into the blender (yes, yes you are!). 

10. USE KIDLIGA PLATES

Adorable artwork gives children a reason to clean their plates, while sturdy porcelain lets them know they are cared for. Our plates are right-sized and specifically designed to help children discover nutritious eating habits. And, of course, during the month of September, 10% of our sales are donated to help fight the epidemic of teen and childhood obesity. 

SEPTEMBER KIDLIGA SPECIAL PRICING TO HELP KIDS LIVE HEALTHY

During September, all month long, as part of raising awareness for National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month we are offering our Kidliga children’s dishware at a significant savings ($29.99 instead of $59.95/comes with an award winning book) and each time you buy a set of Kidliga we are donating a set to a child participating in a healthy lifestyle and nutrition program. This way each time you buy  you are doubling the number of kids you are helping live a healthy life.

Help Us Help Kids Live Healthy!

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