A great way to help children develop healthier eating habits is to involve them in meal preparation.

By giving them tasks such as whisking, selecting fruits and vegetables at the market, forming meatballs, or baking muffins, kids take ownership of the family meals and become committed to the food and the process. Culinary teacher Joyce Goldstein explains that letting kids pick out the food and assert their palate is important, as they want to show what they like to eat and feel a sense of control. Encouraging children to develop healthy eating habits is crucial in the fight against childhood obesity, which has almost tripled since 1980, with approximately 17% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years being obese.

To involve kids in meal preparation, Goldstein and nutrition instructor Sanna Delmonico suggest giving them hands-on experience, letting them make decisions at the farmers’ market, and even allowing them to grow their own vegetables.

Sources: Olive Oil Times, Olive Wellness Institute, About Olive Oil