CHI Franciscan

CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// chifranciscan.org 4 HANDLING PICKY EATERS "If your children are picky about what foods they eat, the best thing to do is continue offering the food," said Rachelle Vicencio, MD, pediatrician with CHI Franciscan Health. "Don't give up." Make meal preparation fun to get your kids to try foods they may otherwise refuse. Include avocado in homemade frozen cream pops. Get creative with school lunches or dinners at home by plating them in fun themes such as faces or animals. "You can also change the setting, such as eating outside in a park or under a tree, to encourage your child to try new foods," Dr. Vicencio said. "Another great option is to involve them in food preparation and have them taste what they cook." Each bite a child takes can t into a plan for good health and a happy future. to note each evening that your child is better off because of the food you provided that day. "During school-age years, parents need to know their influence over food choices and activities," Dr. Vicencio said. "Kids follow parents' behaviors. Even during their child's adolescence, parents can provide motivation and resources." For more information about healthy habits, talk with your child's pediatrician. Find one near you at chifranciscan.org/pediatrics. Childre's Check RACHELLE VICENCIO, MD "FAMILIES PLAY A critical role in molding their children's health," said Rachelle Vicencio, MD, pediatrician with CHI Franciscan Health. "Overweight and obesity prevention starts early, and it starts with parents." A nutritious diet is the best protection from obesity and chronic disease. "Most children between the ages of 12 and 24 months eat sugar-laden foods at least once a day," Dr. Vicencio said. "Contrast that with only one in 10 of them eating a dark green vegetable daily." WHAT'S IN IT FOR KIDS? Let your children know that maintaining good nutrition habits will make them happier. They will have better mental well- being and higher energy levels, stronger muscles and bones, and will recover more easily from the illnesses every child inevitably picks up at school. To get your child excited about healthy eating, try these tips: > Let your child build weekly menus and go grocery shopping with you. > Cook together—and sit at the table and eat together. > Pack school lunches in sandwich bags you let them decorate with markers. Rather than focusing on one food item at a time, parents should think holistically. Aim to provide kids with an overall diet of whole, fresh foods that includes as little processed food as possible. That means going for fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains versus prepackaged meals, fast food and sugar-rich snacks and desserts. Doing this, you'll be able

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