Tips to help your kids get their daily nutrition

This post has sponsored content, but all opinions are my own.

At our house I have a mix of kids. Some that will eat any and everything and some that are so picky, to the point of needing food therapy. Both of my son’s are the picky ones. Both of them have been taken to food therapy to explore why they have such a hard time with food and to give them some techniques for expanding their preferred foods. Because of their pickiness, it can be hard to make sure they get all the essential nutrition they need to be healthy! These problems have helped me really ponder about what I can do to help them be the most successful with food and nutrition. Here are my tips I’ve learn along the way:

1. 1. Lead by Example: Children often mimic the behaviors of adults around them. Show them the importance of healthy eating habits by demonstrating them yourself.
   2. Offer a Variety of Foods: Introduce children to a wide range of nutritious foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. We learned in food therapy that it takes 8 times of trying to food to really know if you are going to like it or not. Sometimes our brain will lie to us and tell us we don’t like it just by looks or smell. Give it try 8 times!
   3. Involve Children in Meal Preparation: Allow children to participate in meal preparation. This not only teaches them valuable skills but also increases their interest in trying new foods.
   4. Stay Hydrated: Encourage children to drink water throughout the day. Limit sugary beverages like soda and juice, and opt for water or milk instead.
   5. Educate About Nutrition: Teach children about the benefits of healthy eating. Explain why certain foods are good for them and how they help their bodies grow and stay strong.
   6. Be Flexible: Children may be picky eaters at times. Be patient and continue offering a variety of healthy options. Avoid forcing them to eat but encourage them to try new foods. Part of the way I was taught to help my kids with “hard foods” during our session at food therapy was to use certain worksheets. These worksheets empowered the kids to take control of the eating by different different methods and then ranking how they liked each part. For example, to lick the food and then add a reaction. To smell the food and add a reaction. It was a slow introduction but they got to be in control of the process.
   7. Offer Supplements as Needed: Children’s vitamins and supplements can help boost what they may lack in vitamins and minerals. You can speak with a pediatrician or nutritionist about how to handle this.

My kids are really interested in protein shakes because that is what I tend to have for breakfast every morning. I was really excited to learn about Kids Daily Essentials Nutrition shake from Naked Nutrition. Made with high quality ingredients, it can be a great way to get some great vitamins and minerals into your kids.

It is made with organic milk for protein along with an organic vegetable blend to provide well-rounded nutrition.

The KIDS DAILY ESSENTIALS Difference:
• 8g of Protein from Organic Milk
• Six Organic Vegetables Powders
• 25 Vitamins & Minerals
• 100 Calories
• No Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, Colors, or
Preservatives
• Certified Gluten-Free
• Soy Free and GMO Free

I’m very excited to have this option meant for kids. I also think this powder would be a great thing to add to smoothies, if the kids are interested that. The Kids Daily Essentials shake is a new product and you can shop for it here.