9 Serving of Fruits And Vegetables for Dollar A Day

By Antonio Khatemi

5 A Day is a slogan put out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It suggests that eating five portions of fruits & vegetables every day will lead to a healthier life.This sounds great in theory, but turns out to be hard in practice, especially when we try to implement it for our children.

Imagine a day in the life of a child. From the time they wake up to the moment they once more lay their heads on the pillow at night, we fill their days with activities and toys and television. They are often toted around with mom and dad who take little time to promote a healthy diet in their hurry to get through the day.

Good habits should start at the beginning. The pregnant mom has a tremendous opportunity to begin instilling a healthy diet before the child is even born. If mom is eating junk during the pregnancy or during breastfeeding, the odds that the child will one day follow suit are huge. There preferences for this kind of food will be set early. So mothers should start their children out right. Providing babies with healthy diets in the womb and at the breast can help children be stronger and healthier.

Of course, children's eating habits, good or bad, are not just gained from experience in the womb or at the breast. Children learn by example too. Parents should always remember that they are being closely watched by little eyes. So eating healthy is just as important for mom and dad as it is for the kids.

But how do we incorporate the CDC's suggested 5 A Day of fruits and vegetables when there are opportunities for junk food at every turn? Or when life gets too busy to take the time 5 A Day seems to require?

Having kids is hard. It changes our lives in so many ways. Instead of keeping healthy eating a priority, it is something that falls by the wayside for so many busy families. We seem to forget how important healthy eating really is - for ourselves and our children.

It is way too easy to let bad habits continue. After all, breaking them is hard, especially when both parents are working and the kids' calendars are filled with activities. But it is worth it. Make healthy eating a priority in your home, not just something you try, but something you do!

With two parents working to support the family, it is even more difficult to control what children eat throughout the day. Bad habits set in and become normal, slowly consuming children's health. Children eat fast foods, even come to school with it, because it is convenient for parents. We teach children that this is normal. Fast food should be eaten on rare occasions only and not be served on a regular basis.

Another way to keep 5 A Day a reality for your family is to be intentional about limiting your bad habits. Cut out the fast foods. Stop doing what's convenient and instead do what's best. Opt for healthy snacks. Even with two busy parents, it's hard to keep track of what the kids may be eating. But if the options you provide are healthy, you and your kids will be in much better shape.

So don't delay! Start implementing a healthy diet for your family today, and soon you'll be including five servings of fruits and vegetable on a regular basis. 5 A Day can mean a healthier family for you. - 31843

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