Food for Thought: Teaching Kids to Make Healthy Choices 🍱
#ParentingInsight #StrategySaturday
TL;DR: Teaching kids to eat healthy isn’t about forcing broccoli into every meal—it’s about planting seeds of wisdom (and maybe spinach) that grow into lifelong habits. Foundations matter more than food fads, and if we steward our influence well, those lessons will stick long after they’ve left home.
Bible Inspiration:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Healthy eating isn’t just about looking good in jeans—it’s about glorifying God with the body He gave us. Stewardship starts at the dinner table and multiplies into energy, clarity, and strength to serve others and fulfill our purpose.
The Main Meal:
I heard of a guy who visited Japan and asked some school kids what their favorite food was. The answers? Broccoli, seaweed, rice. He thought they were trolling. Turns out—they weren’t. And Japan also happens to have one of the lowest obesity rates among wealthy countries. Coincidence? Probably not.
They teach their kids to love natural foods. They seem to get a few things right: family meals, mindful eating, variety, and nutrition built into everyday life. The kind of structure that doesn’t disappear once the parent isn’t around to hover over a lunchbox.
And that’s what we’re going for as parents—not short-term diets but long-term foundations.
Healthy eating is a life skill. If they learn it now, it pays dividends for decades. And yes, it’s hard to break old food habits (for us and them). But it’s much easier to build good ones early. That’s where we come in.
We started small—reading books, watching videos, playing games like “Sugar Detective,” and even letting the kids help with meal choices. We learned about food groups, portions, and the difference between fuel and flavor. It was fun… and convicting. (I still miss that extra spoon of ice cream.)
But knowledge alone isn’t enough. The food environment (home, school, friends, coaches, screens) and positive influences matter. A wise parent doesn’t just teach; they also curate the culture around food.
And the goal? Stewardship. We want kids who care for their bodies not out of guilt, but out of gratitude to God—and who one day teach their kids the same.
Action Step:
Pick one activity this week to lay a food foundation with your child—read a book, label-check some snacks together, or prep a simple meal together. Keep it light, fun, and intentional.
Whatever you do—do it to the glory of God (even if it’s broccoli). 🥦
Want more tips like this? Questions or ideas? Let me know in the comments or contact me.
Kid-Friendly Resources We’ve Reviewed & Liked:
✅ The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food – Classic, fun intro to healthy habits
✅ Good Enough to Eat by Lizzy Rockwell – Explains nutrition in a simple, colorful way
✅ Why Should I Eat Well? by Claire Llewellyn – Encourages good choices through relatable stories
Bonus Thought: Strict rules might fade after they leave home, but strong foundations stick. Build wisely—and trust God to continue the work when you're not around. You've planted something eternal.