When our kids go back to school, a major concern is whether they're getting enough nutrients. Maybe you've been there. The nutritious lunch that you packed comes home virtually untouched. It can be frustrating.
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00:00 When our kids go back to school, a major concern is whether they're getting enough nutrients.
00:05 Maybe you've been there.
00:06 The nutritious lunch that you packed comes home virtually untouched.
00:09 It could be frustrating.
00:11 What we're finding from the research is that nine out of 10 children are consuming less
00:16 than the average recommended amount of at least one essential nutrient.
00:21 And this means that over time, children can be developing nutrient deficiencies.
00:26 Which child nutrition expert Nicole Avina says can lead to medical complications, behavioral
00:30 problems and irritability.
00:33 Trouble focusing in school or in sports is another side effect.
00:36 She says it's one of the most common questions she gets.
00:40 How do we as parents conquer the lunchtime challenge?
00:43 She gives this advice.
00:44 Be repetitive.
00:45 You want to make sure that you are offering healthy options to your kids over and over
00:50 again.
00:51 The study has shown us that it can take up to 15 times for a child to accept a new food.
00:56 So if you offer your child a healthy food and they say they don't like it, keep trying.
01:01 She also suggests making your kids a part of the process, not just with packing, but
01:06 grocery shopping too.
01:07 She says when they have some skin in the game, they're more likely to feel ownership over
01:12 their lunch and want to eat it.