Photo by Alex Green

A recent poll of school-aged children finds kids are more open to trying new foods than their parents at the same age. In fact, the study finds that 69% of kids surveyed want to eat more plant based food. 

Dietitians warn that seemingly healthy eating can become unbalanced if you’re too restrictive. Children need a balanced diet with food from all three food groups—vegetables and fruit, whole grain products, and protein foods. The best foods are whole, fresh, and unprocessed.

Before you let the kids choose their diet, there’s a lot to consider. With so many options, it may be hard to know what foods are right for your family's health needs. Make a list of dietary plans and restrictions you are considering and consult with your primary care doctor. 

You may want to chat with your doctor about these common dietary best practices:

Sugar and sugar substitutes: Try foods without added sugar or sugar substitutes. Limit refined sugars, honey, molasses, syrups, and brown sugar. Substitutes are much sweeter than sugar and have no nutritional value. They may lead to a habit of only liking sweet foods and make it difficult for your child to adjust to fruits and vegetables.

Juice and water: Always drink water over juice. Go for unsweetened juice or serve actual fruit instead of fruit juice to add healthy fibre to your child’s diet. Also be aware sometimes children will drink too much at mealtime or between meals, making them feel full.

Sodium: This mineral maintains proper fluids along with nerve and muscle function in your body. But too much can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease. Offer your kids low sodium options whenever possible. Processed and pre-packaged foods normally have high amounts of sodium.

Fat: Keep tabs on your good and bad fat intake. Healthy fats contain essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that cannot be made in the body and must come from food. Limit butter, hard margarines, lard and shortening that contain more trans and saturated fats that can raise your risk of heart disease. 

USFHP’s TRICARE Prime plan offers benefits supporting child health and wellness. We’ve also developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals. 

Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment.