Parents play a key role in promoting healthy eating. Right from the start, choosing to breastfeed gives babies a nutritional boost and may help them learn to better regulate their food intake.
Parents can also:
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Provide healthy nutritious food daily, such as fruits and vegetables. Be sensitive to when children are hungry and full, and serve age-appropriate portions to avoid overeating.
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Teach children to be aware of when they are full and to eat slowly.
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Make mealtime an enjoyable time free of stress and distractions.
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Provide the tools to make eating easy (e.g. age-appropriate utensils, sippy cups, high-chair), and encourage family meals when possible.
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Limit the amount of screen time to 1-2 hours daily, and only for children over 2 years. Encourage children to be physically active.
Finally, one of the best ways for parents to encourage healthy eating is by being a good role model.
