Most kids love eating junk food and avoid eating nutritious and healthy food. This can cause a lack of nutrition in them and can later prove harmful. It is important, as parents that we inculcate the habit of eating healthy food,  in our kids. Some parents take their kids outside too often which may cause them to not like home cooked meals so much. Foods that have a higher nutritional value are neglected because of this. Your child's insufficient nutrient consumption will make him unhealthy and weak, thus making him susceptible to many diseases and infections. 
 

Just follow these ten simple guidelines and you will be able to change the eating habits of your children. 

1. Which food is best for your child
As parents it is important to include all the necessary food groups in your kids diet. Make sure their meals contain sufficient amount of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins and Minerals. Also as parents you would understand their liking better. Modify their favourite food into something nutritious. When you go to buy packed food ensure that it has sufficient nutrients which are required by the body. Give fewer snacks as they don't have much nutritional content. 

2. Develop eating habits at young age
It is easier to develop good eating habits in your children when they are young. The earlier you start the better. Keep infusing the idea of eating healthy for a healthier body and mind. Don't force them to eat healthy, encourage them or convince them by telling the benefits of nutritious food.

3. Involve them in more extra circular activities
Nowadays kids spend most of their time in either watching TV or in playing computer games. Over doing anything is not good. Keep time constraints for such activities. Sitting idly watching TV can increase their appetite for junk food.  Boost them to play more outdoor games. Encourage them to pursue their hobbies in their free time. It will be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for them.

4. Include sweets cautiously
Sweets are very much loved by kids but it should be given rarely. An excessive intake of sweets can be problematic for your kids and cause other health problems. Don't completely avoid giving them sweets but keep in check with the consumption.

5. Inculcate the habit of eating on time
If you want your children to be healthy do not allow them to eat any time they want. There should be a time gap of minimum two hours between every meal they take. Give them fruits and juices to eat in between meals. Remember, it is not necessary that they eat in bulk quantity but eat the right food at the right time. 

6. Don’t make your kids choosy
As kids, make them eat everything. Although they would have their likes and dislike, do not let them exercise this food habit at the cost of their health. They will eventually grow to make their own choices in food but until then you are in charge.
 

Sometimes kids act picky and avoid eating healthy food. Try and control your child's eating habits. This does not means that you do not give them a choice but stick to your plan on including a good diet. For more information on this, checkout this article - "How to handle picky eating toddlers"

7. Prepare menu
Use your resources and prepare healthy meals for your kids. Their is abundant information on the internet for healthy food recipes. There are many cooking channels available too. It is recommended to make a menu for the same. It will keep you organized and well managed.

8. Become initiators
Its important to preach what you teach. Make sure you eat the same meal prepared for your kids, do not make things according to your preference. It will give a wrong message. Stick to the menu prepared and make sure everyone in your house religiously follows it. Teach them good eating habits at the dinner table and follow them yourself. Nothing teaches kids better than setting a good example.

9. Fruit juices and fruits are a must
Include fruit juices in their diet. Avoid the tetra pak ones as they have preservatives. Try and give them fresh juices if possible. You can also give them fruits in the form of a dessert or as part of a recipe. Check out our “Quick Indian recipes”section for some interesting ideas. Avoid giving them soft drinks too often.

10. Appreciate them but not with food
Some of the parents show their love by offering chocolates so don’t do that. This will spoil their eating habits. Give them a more encouraging leverage like an outdoor play or some books or toys they like.