Abilene Crave

Mitzi Dulan offers seven tips for raising food-smart kids

1. Introduce a variety of foods. The key to expanding kids' food preferences is to try new flavors early and often. Be persistent - it can take 5 to 20 times of trying a new food before your child actually enjoys it.
2. Avoid being a short-order cook. It's fine to frequently include some of their favorite foods, but you don't want to end up making four different meals each night for everyone in the family.
3. Switch to whole grains. Bread, pasta, pancakes, tortillas, pitas, cereal, crackers and brown rice. It might not always be possible to eat whole grains when eating out, but it should be a no-brainer when you are making meals at home.
4. Put the brakes on fast food. Fast food can seem like a great option when you are pressed for time, but try to limit the number of times you eat fast food. Instead, make a double batch of favorite foods and freeze half for later.
5. Make activity a family affair. Go for a family bike ride or walk. Find local tennis courts, trails or a track and get moving!
6. Ask for their help. Get children involved with grocery shopping. Make it fun by exploring colors and shapes in the produce section. Let kids select a new fruit or vegetable to try at home.
7. Look for pure foods. Buy foods with short ingredient lists or single ingredient foods like honey and kiwi.