Over the last couple weeks the Grace and Strength Lifestyle team has been covering the popular topic of "Clean Eating." We have broken down the definition of "Clean Eating." Discussed the benefits which result in clean eating and have given simple, yet practical steps on how to get started in this lifestyle.

Kids and Clean Eating

But how in the world do I get my kids to buy into this concept of eating clean? As a coach for Grace & Strength and a mommy of five, this is a question I get asked frequently by many parents trying to implement healthy changes with their kids. The thinking is, "It's hard enough to get myself to eat clean, let alone getting my children on board."

With the known statistic that our children's generation is on track to be the first generation with a shorter life expectancy than their parents; it's even more crucial to begin implementing these healthy, clean choices into our diets.

Ok, so I know what you're thinking, "Bekah, you don't know my kids. Is my life just going to become MORE stressful because no one will eat what I am making? My picky eater dry heaves at the smell of brussel sprouts. Oh, and I hate them too . . . this won't work for our family." And the list goes on...

First of all, take a DEEP BREATH. Feel a little better?

I understand transitioning to a clean eating lifestyle can seem daunting, and picky eaters can be a challenge. How can we bring health to those we love most and keep our sanity in the process? It's not so much a question of wanting to do this. It's knowing how. Here's the thing, as parents we work hard in certain areas to train our children. We're committed to potty training. We take the time to make sure they learn what it means to be polite and have good manners. We tutor them with their multiplication homework. Clean eating is just another area where we have the opportunity (responsibility) to teach our kids how to take care of the one and only body they will ever have.

With that in mind, here are some practical tips to make clean eating for kids a smoother and happier process:

1. Baby Steps
2. Talk With Your Kids
3. Food Planning Is Key

1. Baby steps

This lifestyle change does not happen overnight. It didn't happen that way for you. Go easy. Make small changes. Be realistic, don't feel the need to take out every treat from their eating plan, unless there is a medical reason.

Slow changes will allow your kids to adjust to this lifestyle. Make one substitution at a time and stick with it. Children need consistency. If you tell them that you will no longer buy juice boxes, don't buy any more juice boxes. Invest in fun water bottles and only fill them with water.

Remember, "Clean Eating" is about making smarter, healthier food choices by keeping it simple, the way God intended food to be eaten in it's more natural or raw form. Stay consistent. Over time, their tastes WILL change.

2. Talk with your kids

Begin by asking them what healthy eating is. Be their teacher. Share what you believe healthy eating means and that what we eat is important to God. Read labels with them. Explain what the different ingredients are.

If you can't pronounce them, maybe you shouldn't be eating them. Talk about how different foods affect our bodies and how when they eat good foods they will feel good, and when they eat poorly they will feel bad. Gently remind them that as their parents you are making these changes as well. Be open and honest.

3. Food planning is key

By planning your snacks and meals ahead of time, you are telling your family what foods are best to eat. Have healthy snacks available for your kids to grab instead of processed, packaged products. Set a huge bowl on your table filled with fruit, granola or trail mix. Have a drawer in your refrigerator filled with white cheese, vegetables, Greek yogurts and unsweetened applesauce.

Include your children in the planning and preparation of your meals. Take them to the grocery store with you and let them pick out fruits and veggies they would be willing to try. Find a farmers market and buy local. Get creative. Puree different vegetables and add them to your marinara sauce. Use a cookie cutter and cut your veggies into fun shapes. Make fruit smoothie popsicles for hot summer days.

Have them help plant an herb garden and vegetables. It doesn't have to be that elaborate. Living in the city has taught me that. My herbs and veggies sit on my porch.

Giving kids ownership and involvement in this process will make them more likely to be willing to try new foods.

Family mealtime should be a learning opportunity and can be fun! It doesn't have to be a war zone.

So, take a deep breath, gradually make clean, healthier choices and get creative. It is a gift to feed your children. And it is never to late to start. As you begin to implement "Clean Eating" into your family, you will be bringing true health to your children.

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* Individual results may vary.