March: “Healthy Food! Healthy Families!”

“The first wealth is health.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

What does healthy eating mean? Healthy eating means eating a variety of foods that give you the nutrients needed to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy. You’re a big part of helping your child choose nutritious foods at every age and stage. Here are a few ideas to help make sure your child eats healthy foods and develops healthy eating habits – now and in the future.

Encourage healthy food choices.

Some of the best ways to set and reinforce healthy eating habits is to engage your child in meal preparation and to engage your child in the different shapes and colors of their fruits and vegetables.

American Heart Association: Top 10 Tips to Help Children Develop Healthy Habits

PBS Parents: Encourage Kids to Eat Healthy Food

PBS Parents (PDF Download): Healthy From the Start

Think before you drink.

Water is the best drink for your child! Avoid sugary drinks, like fruit juice and soda, because they may contribute towards weight gain and tooth decay.

Healthy Kids Association: Food & Nutrition - Drinks

Natural Hydration Council: Hydration and Water Facts for Kids

For more information visit: http://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Kids/Kids-Healthy-Eating.aspx

Additional Observances: Women’s History Month, National Nutrition Month, Brain Injury Awareness Month, National Social Work Month.