by A Howell

Created on: October 05, 2008   Last Updated: September 28, 2010

In today's fast food world it is easier to stop and pick up a happy meal, rather than to go home and make dinner after a long day at the office. Fast food chains have added a variety of healthy foods to go along with the meal rather than just a burger, fries, and a coke. Raising a child to have good eating habits shouldn't start with the fast food chain, even though they are offering fruits or milk. A young child wants the cheese burger or chicken nuggets.

Meals can be made easy if you want your child to have good eating habits. Kids can be very picky when it comes to food that doesn't look like something they are use too. Have your child help you make their meal or snack. Some kids feel that they have accomplished making their own meal so they would want to try what they prepared. Also, start them off at an early age. It would be easier for them to get a taste for some foods when they are younger rather than older.

Breakfast is one meal that should never be skipped. The morning is a busy time for most families. Keeping it simple is always a priority in some homes. A bowl of cereal, fruit, toast, and milk is the easiest for families. Your child will be getting the nutritional values they need for the morning. If you have time to make a big breakfast in the morning try using turkey bacon and egg whites. Pancakes and waffles are also good but adding that side bowl of fruit will give your child the taste for natural sweets rather than artificial.

Lunch is always a good time for creating new ways you can make a sandwich or soup. When it comes to a simple side of soup, heat up a can of tomato, add noodles, and sprinkle low fast mozzarella cheese on top. For the sandwich, pita bread is always a favorite with kids because it's easy to hold and nothing falls out the bottom. Add a slice of cheese, a slice of ham or turkey, lettuce, and a little mayo. As a side dish baby carrots always go with anything. It's an easy quick meal that your child will enjoy while eating healthy.

Dinner can be hard for some families but some healthy meals don't need hours to prepare. Side salad with some tomatoes, cucumbers, and a little sprinkle of low fat mozzarella cheese over the top can add a touch to any meal. Instead of frying meats or poultry try baking or broiling it, this would be better for you and your child. Trying to get your child to eat their vegetables is easier said than done. Make a vegetable that they like and mix it with a new one. Instead of just corn add peas to the mix. It might give them a chance to try a new vegetable and even like it. Giving them options is better than making them eat something they don't want to. Kids can be stubborn, if you give them a nutritional option it will be easier to manage their eating habits.

Snack time is always a time of decisions. Cookies are always on a kid's mind. Try giving teddy grams or even gram crackers, celery sticks, and apple wedges with a small dish of peanut butter for dipping. Even though it seems simple to some, kids like to think that they are doing this on their own.

You want your child to eat healthy. Forcing them to eat foods that they don't like is going to make it that much harder. Try giving them options, ask for their help when preparing a meal, and try new things to keep their interest.

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