In the last 10 years childhood obesity has steadily risen to proportions that scare even the medical community. The food advertising that targets our children (fast foods and convenience foods), sends the wrong message to both our children and parents alike. As responsible parents, we have the obligation to ensure the health of our children and it is my hope that I can help by showing you 4 creative ways to get your kids to eat healthy.

Don't tell them what's in it.

Make your main meals during the day (Breakfast and Dinner), multi-ingredient dishes and only tell them the main ingredient that they like that's in it. In other words, let's say you make spaghetti sauce. You can take a jar of ready made sauce and add diced green peppers and diced fresh mushrooms and the sauce will camouflage most of the tastes. Be warned that you cannot overcook vegetables because they will lose a lot of their nutritional value so if possible; try to throw them into the dish towards the end.

Make them eat a vegetable/fruit/salad before the meal.

Believe it or not, this little tactic does in fact work. If you give them a choice of what they can have before the meal then you will be amazed the items that will grow to like. For example for our kids, we will prepare a meal that we know that they will like (pizza, steak, etc) and will have it ready at the table so that they can see it and smell it. We will then give them a choice of a fruit, vegetable, or salad and they know that they will have to eat that before eating the meal that they enjoy.

Invite one of their friends over for dinner.

I know, you are scratching your head wondering what the heck I mean by this. Peer pressure is something to behold! If you have a kid over that you know eats well or somewhat healthy, you will be amazed how your kid(s) will also want to eat like them. They don't want to miss the boat especially when the other kid starts complimenting you on the food. I know this is a little devious but out of the methods mentioned above this one hands down has the most success.

Lead by example.

Let's face it, this one is pretty self-explanatory. If you don't care about how and what you eat then why should your kid(s) care about what and how they eat? You are their role model in other aspects in life. Being their model in health and fitness is no different.

Remember, studies have shown that a habit cannot be formed until it has been duplicated at least 21-times. This premise is very applicable in having your kids eat healthier as well. Be patient, be persistent, and stand firm. If you waver at all, this will set a precedent that you want to avoid at all costs. Good luck....I've been there.