Teaching kids to eat well can be tricky. You don’t want to give them more facts than they can grasp or turn every meal into a lecture. But wait too long and they could pick up unhealthy habits in the meantime.

Kids need to know that every food they put into their bodies affects them. Parents and educators can get that message across by talking with kids about the food they put in their bodies, why it matters, and how they can learn to make the healthiest choices. It is also important to have students reflect on the healthy and unhealthy aspects of what they eat. Any time they can be in the kitchen helping to cook, or cooking themselves it is a fun opportunity to learn. 

Cooking could be not only a novel one off activity but part of a self-care routine. Teachers can help students identify what healthy food choices look like and then families can get everyone involved in choosing some nutritious, tasty options at the supermarket. 

Kids at any age can help their family’s shop for food that is healthy for them and healthy for the planet. Younger kids can pick out fresh fruits and veggies and older kids can take on the role of choosing tasty recipes that have less meat and dairy. 

At school, we can show kids what “eating right” for ourselves and the planet looks like. We can explain and demonstrate  that they should fill half their plate with fruits and veggies of many different colors. The other half should be whole grains and ¼ should be a lean protein that gives them energy to run, dance, and play.