What: Every parent would like to see their children eat their veggies with gusto. The thing is, it can be a struggle to feed kids with nutritious food. They may complain about the taste, or say it looks too weird to eat. Deciding what to feed children is a common dilemma for many parents, and while it can be easy enough to go to the closest drive-through when you are busy, we all know that isn't healthy for them. Know however, that organic foods – veggies and fruits, can be delicious, and as more natural food stores and organic brands surface, it's now easier for you and your family to eat organic, which is a good thing considering all the health benefits of an all-natural diet.
Why: What our children put into their bodies also affects their ability to think and to grow up healthy and strong. One of the huge advantages of organic foods is that they haven't been doused in pesticides. Organic farms ban artificial pesticides. Pesticide residues turn up, not just on fruit and vegetables, but in bread, baby food and other products. Governments claim that there's no need risk to health from these pesticide traces, but wouldn't you rather feed yourself and your kids on food that's pesticide free? You're also doing the environment a good turn when you choose them. Intensive farming methods erode soil, destroy ancient hedgerows, and decimate wild life. Organic farms on the other hand look after the environment.
How:
1. It's best to start when your children are very young. Getting your children into the habit of eating healthy from a very early age is important. It will significantly reduce the risk of them being overweight, and will also help to ensure that they continue with good eating habits as they get older.
2. Encourage, rather than scold. Even if they spit out the veggies at first, at least they gave it a go. This should be encouraged rather than scolded. It can take a child or baby over 10 tries before they get used to taste and texture of foods, so every attempt counts. Remember to give your kids very small portions of new foods or foods they are retrying so they don't feel overwhelmed.
3. Try the rewards system every time your child eats a healthy food. For smaller children, you might want to have smaller, more frequent rewards. Some ideas: trips to the movies, points toward video or TV time, the purchase of a new toy, or even a special ice cream treat or dessert.
4. Do a grocery store trip or go to a farmer's market to hunt out interesting, healthy foods. This is a key to inspiring them to eat healthy. Take them through the produce isle and let them pick out an exotic fruit or brightly colored vegetable. Pick up one or two organic items every time you shop.
5. Find your favourites! Try different brands, and once a week, buy something new to try: organic tofu, stuffed vine leaves, soup. There's an organic version of almost every food you can think of, from coffee to baked beans, pizzas to eggs. You'll soon find favourites. If the cost of organic foods is a concern for you, consider growing some of them on your own. This way, you can have your children help you with the garden as well. Research shows that children are more likely to consume foods that they help to grow as well as prepare.
TIP: Visit your local farmer's markets when you can - this saves everyone money in the long run because there is less cost for transporting food - therefore, less oil used!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/how-to-feed-your-kids-organic-2206601.html
About the AuthorGreen Blossoms is a sustainable clothing company based in Los Angeles, California. Our clothes are made from organic cotton, bamboo and corn! We also love helping women live green and healthy lives, and have FUN doing it through our blog! Visit us at http://www.greenblossoms.net