If there is one thing that makes kids wrinkle their noses it is the idea that they are eating something which is "good for them".
This is often a reason that a child won't even consider tasting something as wonderful as broccoli, asparagus, or spinach until they are a bit older.
So, how can you introduce healthy eating habits into your family? There are actually some very simple ways to introduce kids to better habits.
Most experts recommend that a family meal time (seated together) is the first step.
They also point out that kids love to be involved in the process of meal preparation.
This is good time to find and use quick diet recipes of the no-cook or low-cook kinds that allow kids to easily complete their assigned tasks.
Experts also state that it is best to avoid making food an ongoing battle, and that if a healthy option is declined on a continual basis to simply "let it be".
They also state that making healthy cooking the normal pattern from the time a child is first seated at the table is going to be the likeliest way to get them to eat properly too.
Lastly, it is always best to serve as a role model for children.
This means that if you want them to eat as healthy as possible, then you have to eat just as healthily too.
If you are concerned about your own possible weight gain (let's face it; kids burn way more calories than most adults) you can always make a point of finding a good assortment of healthy diet recipes to put to use as well.
It is best to find a handful that your kids really enjoy and only test new recipes infrequently.
There is no "best time" to try to transition into a healthier way of life if you are not already following one, and most experts indicate that sitting down with the kids in the family to discuss any changes is a good approach too.
Instead of just beginning to serve healthy meals and telling them that they will have to eat them, you can let them know that you have heard about healthy eating and decided it was time for everyone in the family to get fit too.
This can mean that meal preparation, table setting, and after dinner clean up becomes a healthy family-time as well.
Clearly, good food and nutrition can be the starting point for a happier way of life.