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Healthy Eating
It's not just kids that need to eat more healthily — we could probably all make better food choices. You probably know the basics already: eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, poultry and fish; limit foods that are high in fat and sugar. If you stick to that plan as much as possible, you'll be well on your way toward eating more healthily as a family. To get your kids more involved in healthier eating, try these ideas.

Shop together
Take your kids grocery shopping; get them involved in thinking about food choices. Teach them to read labels. Show them what portion sizes look like. Stock up on healthy snacks like fresh fruit and yogurt. Have them pick out a new fruit or vegetable each time you shop. Limit your purchase of unhealthy snacks. If they're not in your house, your kids can't eat them.

Get kids cooking
Kids are much more likely to eat what they've cooked. Plus, cooking together can be a lot of fun. Show them how to steam vegetables and roast meats. Explain to them why you cook with olive oil or canola oil instead of butter. Have them look up some fun new recipes online and choose one to prepare with you. When the kids are older, give them their turn to be the family chef one night a week.

Have family dinners
We know everyone is busy. But at the dinner table, take a seat and relax. Eating dinner together as often as possible leads to healthier eating habits and stronger family bonds. Encourage everyone to eat slowly and savor their food. And practice what you preach: your kids won't appreciate steamed broccoli and lean burgers on whole wheat buns if Mom and Dad are having fried chicken for dinner.

Take it slowly
For less resistance from your family, it's easier to make your eating changes gradually. For example, don't try to switch from whole milk directly to skim. Take an intermediate step to 2% milk, then 1%. Even if you only get as far as the change to 2%, it's an improvement.

Pressed for time?
You don't have to sacrifice nutrition or flavor. As reported on The Today Show, the SUBWAY FRESH FIT FOR KIDS™ meal is ranked number one among kids' meals for its nutritious offering. See the report here.  



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