The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has declared March as National Nutrition Month®. The goal is to encourage people to develop healthy eating and nutrition habits.

Everyone can benefit from eating healthier, from kids to adults. Here are some things you can do to get your kids to eat healthier as you celebrate National Nutrition Month.

5 Easy Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Eat Better 

These ideas won’t require you to completely overhaul your kid’s diet or get into a new routine. Instead, they focus on taking small steps to encourage your child to make healthier choices now and in the future. 

1. Drink more water

Summer’s just around the corner, and it’s going to be a scorcher. So, now’s a great time to get your kids in the habit of drinking water instead of sugary drinks. 

If your kid turns their nose up at plain water, add some flavor! Fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons can turn a boring glass of water into more of a juice-like beverage (without all that added sugar). Make sure you’re setting a good example by replacing one sugary drink with a glass of water every day. 

2. Eat an extra meal as a family

We’re big fans of family mealtime. Kids get so many great benefits when you all eat together, including doing better in school, feeling more confident, and making healthier food choices.

However, we’re also parents who know that getting everyone together at the same time can be downright impossible, especially when your kids have extracurriculars. So instead of thinking of family mealtime as an all-or-nothing scenario, think of it as something you can add as your time allows. For example, plan one extra family meal a week during March. It can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

3. Visit the farmer’s market

Many farmer’s markets are opening this month. Visit one near you and let your kids pick out something to eat. Understanding where their food comes from can help kids feel more connected to it. At the same time, picking out a new type of fruit or vegetable can make them more likely to try it when they get home.

4. Set out a fruit bowl

Kids of all ages just love snacking. A conveniently placed fruit bowl can help nudge them in the right direction during that seemingly never-ending time between getting home from school and dinnertime. 

Stock it with fresh bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, and whatever else your kids can easily grab and take with them. 

5. Prep breakfast ahead of time

A healthy breakfast will get your kids’ day off to a good start. Fortunately, that doesn’t require you to get up at the crack of dawn. 

Prepping breakfast ahead of time can make the morning less stressful for you. Here are some of our favorite quick breakfast ideas for busy parents.

Don’t Forget Your Vitamins!

Of course, kids will never eat as healthy as we want them to. That’s why it’s a good idea to add a vitamin supplement to your kid’s routine. 

ABC’s & 123’s from NutriTots has all the essential vitamins and minerals kids need to grow healthy and strong without added colors, flavors, or preservatives. Get yours today!