Holiday Gifts to Help Kids Eat Better

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
Published in December 2010

(HealthCastle.com) We all know that healthy eating habits are developed at a young age. So, instead of preaching and nagging, maybe having a little fun will go further to encourage kids to eat better.

Holiday Gifts to Encourage Kids to Eat Better

• Today I Ate a Rainbow (A Magnet Kit)
  
  If your little ones love to play with magnets on the fridge door, they'll love this kit! Encouraging kids to eat the 5 different colors of fruits and vegetables, this kit comes with eye-catching magnets and an educational book.

  Age: 3+
  Where: http://www.todayiatearainbow.com/

• Healthy Habits Kids Plate (A Plate)
  
  What a simple idea to teach kids about proper portions! This BPA-free plate visually shows young children that half of their plate should be filled with vegetables.

  Age: 3+
  Where: http://www.healthykidsplate.com/

• Chickin Feed's Track'n PlaceMat (A Placemat)
  
  There's no excuse for not knowing what a balanced diet really means! This placemat shows kids the different food groups and comes with a sturdy china marker for your little ones to proudly mark their food groups. For the kids keen on reading, the back of the placemat offers more details on what the food groups are.

  Age: 5+
  Where: http://chickinfeed.com/

• Janey Junkfood's Fresh Adventure! (A book)
  
  The main character, a food detective, helps best friend Janey discover how to fuel up with breakfast, cut down on sugar, read food labels, eat more fruits and veggies, etc. This funky, colorful book was written by dietitian Barbara Storper.

  Age: 10+
  Where: http://www.foodplay.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=180
  Also available in major bookstores.