subject: Getting Your Kids To Eat Healthy And Have Fun With The Daily Burn [print this page] My kids are watching what they eat without me nagging them! They have been watching me lately log in and track my nutrition and my workouts on the Daily Burn. My daughter who is only seven, asked if she could make her own account. )Unfortunately, the Daily Burn only allows for age 13 and up but we made it work for us anyway.)
So I set her up and of course her brother who is eleven, had to join in too. So for the past two days they have been tracking what they eat and trying to get within their ranges. It has been a lot of fun for me as a parent watching them read labels and talk about what they "could" and "couldn't" have.
I think they feel grown up getting to use a website to track their stats so that is definitely part of the appeal. In just these two days, their awareness of fat, carbs and protein has skyrocketed.
I am realistic enough to know that the "fun" will wear off pretty quickly but this first awareness of food should lay a great foundation for healthy eating in the future. I am thankful for each day that it lasts.
They are already making better choices for the lunches they pack. My daughter might even try new foods just so getting her protein will be easier for her.
If they keep it up this week, I am going to introduce them to Streaks on Spark People next week and see how they do with a little goal setting.
If you want to try this with your kids, go ahead. Just remember to keep it easy going and fun. Don't let it become a chore or a negative for them. Know that it most likely won't last and that's ok. We don't need kids to go overboard on watching calories at such an early age.
However, knowledge of what they are eating and how it stacks up against recommended grams and calories is well worth the time.
For my kids it is their first voluntary exposure to healthy food. No preaching on my part was required! I am a happy parent tonight!
