Does anyone have advise on how to get an 11yrold and 9 yrold to eat more than just junk food?

Lori-anne - posted on 04/03/2010

Dont take them to the super market & dont buy junk food anymore. Fill the fruit bowl up Every day. Stop giving them spending money as they will run to the shops for their fix.

Allysia - posted on 04/02/2010

I do agree with not making it available....when it comes to responsibility of eating it is the parent's responsibility on what and the kids responsibility of how much and if.

But I also hide things any way I can. See, I have a very very picky husband! I make super yummy food that is healthy and he wouldn't even know it! Like spaghetti, use whole grain pasta (not even the yucky whole wheat stuff...) and hide vegetables into it by using a food processor. I make sure there is a fruit or vegetable available at every meal, a meat, and a grain and i do everything I can to try to make it a whole grain. Just that right there will make a difference.

As far as snack foods there are ways to buy them healthier. whole wheat crackers with cheese (kids need dairy), pretzels, popcorn made in an air popper, cucumbers and ranch, carrots in ranch, apples with peanut butter, baked chips, nilla wafers, graham crackers with fat free whipped cream in between them frozen....there are endless possibilities. I have tons of healthy but yummy recipes if you ever need them!

Debbie - posted on 04/02/2010

make healthy eating fun..... make your own pizzas let them do their own, make shopping fun by letting them help with it, get recipies 4 chicken, turkey both are low in fat content

Yonedi - posted on 04/02/2010

Don't take this the wrong way but don't buy any more junk food. I went through the same thing and I didn't make all healthy meals all the time...but I would mix it up with food that he liked. Trust me after a few days of not eatting junk food and just picking on the food you make they will be hungry enough to start eatting your way not just theres.

Rachel - posted on 04/02/2010

Let them plan/choose a meal or menu, prepare and cook themselves. Fun and sense of accomplishment and more likely to eat it as have used all their effort.

make a deal: if eat healthy meal they get points. Trade points in for treats/fun things. I use this from ADDapt Parenting Programme that I use with parents at work. I am a Parent Support Worker that helps families cope with difficult teenagers 8-14 age group. This book is great. Teen Angels BBC is great too and an easy read. Also Rob Parson's,"Got a teenager".

Make food look as attractive as possible, eat in different rooms or outside for fun, have fun snack dip parties with healthy veg and fruit to dip in savoury or sweet dip sauces.

Geri - posted on 04/02/2010

Moderation is the key word...its not easy but as a parent its your responsibility to help teach them exactly what that means..lol...we as adults ourselves don't practice it..we seem to over indulge ALOT...don't take snacks away totally..but they have healthy snacks...veggie chips...(my kids love them) make them fruit smoothies...and get some gogurt..my kids love it frozen...Make sure they know its ok to eat snacks..just to not over do it...teach them to take care of their bodies...so when they are older their bodies will take care of them...good luck..nobody ever said parenting was easy....but you have a bunch of helpful moms here to request information from...have a wonderful day...god bless and Have a happy Easter!!!

Stephanie - posted on 04/01/2010

Coming from someone who grew up on junk food I'd say take it away. I wish my parents would've. I'm now so accustomed to eating junk that I like very few real meals. I've tried sooo many things too but I honestly don't like them. I don't think weight statistics would've made me think twice. SERIOUSLY after 23 years of a crappy diet I only weigh 105lbs. I wouldn't focus on the weight because that could lead to self esteem issues. The real focus should be how it affects your health.

Alison - posted on 04/01/2010

Why not make Friday night your junk food night. Personally, I really enjoy the bad stuff on occasion. Give them free reign to eat as much of whatever they want between 8:00 and 10:00 on Friday. The rest of the week, be sure to have lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, yogurt available as alternative snack items. As they get into the teen years they will be eating more and more and it's a great time to start healthy food habits.



I have a colleague who has a rule that no food can be eaten outside of the kitchen with the exception of fruits and veggies.

Constance - posted on 04/01/2010

Don't buy it. If it isn't in the house they won't have access to it. Buya variety of fruits and veggis instead.

Meghan - posted on 04/01/2010

I started watching that food revolution show with the cheif Jamie Oliver..he shows kids some pretty gross things! But other than that, if isn't in the house, it will be harder to get..I myself have a salt tooth and I hide my snacks in my room...lol

Crystal - posted on 04/01/2010

Carol, Do you know where I can get those statistics? This will be useful. Thanks

Jackie - posted on 04/01/2010

This is an easy one... don't give it to them!

Carol - posted on 04/01/2010

show them statistics of overweight people and the repercussions. maybe not in numbers, but in pictures.

Amanda - posted on 04/01/2010

I would remove the junk food you have from your house. Chips, candy, cookies, frozen pizzas, corn dogs, etc. Then begin by having a family meeting and explain that you want everyone to eat better and feel better and you would like to do it together. Ask what some of their favorite foods are and then make a healthier version at home. Maybe they like chicken strips. So get some chicken tenders at the store. Coat them with the following mixture: bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Serve with asparagus, green beans, or salad. They can be cooled and cut into strips and served in a salad. Have the kids participate in the shopping and cooking for their meals. Good luck.