Considering a Healthier Diet for Your Child: Care Instructions
Childhood can be a great time to start healthy eating habits. The decision to offer healthier foods and when is part of your role. Change takes time—and small changes add up.
Healthy eating can help your child feel good and have plenty of energy to learn and play.
Healthy foods include vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods.
How to help your child
Think about when your family can try new eating habits. Get support if you or your child is worried about making changes. Your child's doctor can help you find a dietitian.
Talk with your child about what kinds of changes might work for your family. Discuss eating habits or certain foods you might want to change. And talk about anything you want to keep.
Make one small change, and see how it works. Try things like offering water when your child is thirsty or serving fruits as snacks. Or add one vegetable to your family's dinner. It takes time to adjust to new habits.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter G837 in the search box to learn more about "Considering a Healthier Diet for Your Child: Care Instructions".
Adaptation Date: 6/18/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
