A recent study shows that kids are now seeing fewer advertisements for sweets, such as candy, soda, and cookies. This should be a good thing, right? That’s what I thought at first too. However, the amount of ads they are seeing for fast food has gone up by 4.7% for children ages 2-5.

So, what can you do to make sure your little one is not easily influenced by the fast food commercials? Have healthy eating habits at home; you are child’s biggest influence!

Tips for Healthy Eating Habits (For children 2-5 years old)

1. Set a good example: Kids learn from watching you. Eat fruits and veggies and they will too.
2. Offer a variety of foods: introduce your child to new foods often.
3. Start with Small Portions: teach them to take small amounts at first; tell them they can get more if they are still hungry.
4. Help them know when they’ve had enough: avoid pressure; provide them with healthy options, and let them decide how much.
5. Follow a meal and snack schedule: plan for 3 meals and 1-2 snacks for the day and stick to the schedule as close as possible.
6. Make mealtime a family time: turn off the TV; cook together, eat together, and talk together.
7. Help them try new foods: it may take many times of trying a new food before they will actually like it.

If you do decide to take your child out at a fast-food restaurant, encourage them to make lower-fat selections, to start their meal with a salad, to choose grilled rather than fried, and to choose low-fat milk or juice rather than soda or shakes.

For more tips on developing healthy eating habits, call or visit the website of your local Cornell Cooperative Extension:

Jefferson County: 315-788-8450

Lewis County: 315-376-5270

St. Lawrence County: 315-379-9192

You can also visit MyPyramid.gov

Sources: MyPyramid.gov; Healthy Children; Womenshealth.gov