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- Children need eating routines and structure in the same way
that they benefit from bedtime routines! Be sure to offer three
meals and two to three snacks across the course of the day. In
between, avoid grazing by adopting a "closed kitchen"
policy.
- What does hunger have to do with it? Most everything. Direct
children towards internal cues like hunger and fullness. Speak
plainly to children about hunger and fullness during mealtime
and snacks.
- Avoid focusing on amounts consumed. Instead, offer healthy choices
and learn about appropriate portion sizes for children.
- Offer healthy snacks and routinely remind children that fruits
and vegetables are available for snacking.
- Don't give up! Children need repeated and varied experiences
with new foods before they learn to like them.
- Be conscious of low nutrient, high-energy beverage (and food)
consumption.
- Be active! Turn off the television (limit of 2 hours per day)
and encourage free play by GOING OUTSIDE!
- Make family meals a priority whenever possible. Try for at
least three family dinners a week. Limit eating out to twice a
week and try to choose restaurants with surroundings that permit
conversation.
- Develop children's conversational styles and their sense of
importance by eliminating distractions like television and music
during family meals.
- Promote healthy eating-not dieting-in word and deed.
Adopt a moderate approach that includes all foods in age-appropriate
portions.
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