Quick Tips for Parents

Food can be just as tricky for parents as it is for kids. Model Gentle Nutrition for your family to refocus on the simple things.

(1) Add foods, don't subtract. Remember that all foods can be a part of a healthy life and no foods are off-limits. Instead, consider how to add nutrient-filled and diverse foods into your eating patterns.

(2) Focus on variety. Different foods contain different nutrients, which means that eating a diversity of foods helps to ensure that we are getting adequate nutrients.

(3) Pay attention to food that feels good. Make food choices that honor your health and taste buds while making your body feel good.

(4) Try to include 3 things at each snack and meal: protein, fat, and fiber. This will help keep you full and nourished.

(5) Create an environment that makes health easier. Your environment is the biggest predictor of your health choices, so consider how you can make shifts to your space to set yourself up for the health behaviors you want.

Meals don't always have to be hot and thematically united! You and your family need balance in food, and life. Striking the right balance can be tough when there is pressure to provide hot, beautiful, fresh meals every single night. Allow yourself permission to save some time for yourself and make dinner with foods you already have!