Nutrition for Kids: Building Healthy Eating Habits

Establishing healthy eating habits in children is essential for their growth, development, and overall well-being. Good nutrition sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. It’s important to have an understanding of how you can help your child build healthy eating habits that they can improve on their entire life. By instilling these habits at a young age, you’re setting your child up for success and helping them avoid serious complications that can come with poor nutrition.

Making Healthy Nutritional Choices

When your child is young, you must encourage them to start making healthy choices to improve their physical health. This could include helping them choose healthy foods and encouraging them to partake in physical activities. With tips from your pediatrician, you can make sure that your child is healthy and happy.

Ensure your child’s diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy. A diverse diet provides essential nutrients that support growth and development. Encourage colorful meals. Different colors in fruits and vegetables represent different nutrients, making meals visually appealing and nutritious. Colorful meals can also make mealtime fun and engaging for children.

Eating together as a family encourages healthy eating habits. It allows parents to model good eating behavior and promotes social interaction. Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they see their parents doing the same. Demonstrate balanced eating habits and a positive attitude towards food. Turn off the TV and put away electronic devices during meals. Focus on the food and each other to make mealtime enjoyable and mindful.

Teach children about portion sizes. Use smaller plates and bowls to prevent overeating and help them recognize when they are full. Encourage your child to listen to their bodies, eat when hungry, and stop when they are full. Avoid forcing them to finish everything on their plate.

Contact Our Pediatrician Today

Building healthy eating habits in children requires a combination of variety, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Contact your pediatrician today to learn more about helping your child make healthy nutritional choices.

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Monday:

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

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Testimonials

  • "“Very satisfied with the care my child receives with Dr. McAfee. We’ve been seeing Dr. McAfee for years. She is like a trusted friend. Highly recommend Acton Road Pediatrics.”"
    Lisa/Pleasant Grove
  • "“Nothing worse than getting a call that your child is sick. But being able to call Acton Road Pediatrics and get them seen that day makes all the difference. Dr. Breedlove was so kind and accommodating. She put me at ease and took good care of my daughter.”"
    Jasmine/Leeds
  • "“I can’t imagine anyone but Dr. Moore as our pediatrician. We recently moved to the Birmingham area and heard a lot about Acton Road Pediatrics. Happy to say that all of the recommendations were spot on. Friendly staff, efficient processes, respectful of our time. Just a great experience all the way around.”"
    Anna/Hoover
  • "“We love Dr. Frees and her entire staff. She is down to earth and has a great bedside manner. They are like an extended family. Thanks to everyone for taking such great care of my children.”"
    Heather/Birmingham
  • "“Dr. Breedlove is amazing! She is great with her patients and spends as much time as needed with you to get all questions answered and also just to get to know you. You’re not just a number to her! You can tell she truly cares about her patients! I would recommend her to anyone!”"
    Francine/Pelham
  • "“Dr. McAfee and her staff are amazing and I even switched my daughter from her pediatrician to be seen by Dr. McAfee exclusively. She takes care and remembers you every single time. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with the care of our family.”"
    Cameron/Bluff Park
  • "“I’ll keep this simple. Dr. Moore is the best pediatrician by a long shot. I recently transferred my son’s care to her. The office staff is so friendly! I always leave feeling so much better in every way. I’ll never use anyone else for my son. If you need a great pediatrician to help you with your kid’s health and wellness do yourself a favor and meet this doctor!”"
    Lydia/Mountain Brook
  • "“My twins had their first visit with Dr. Breedlove and it was a delight. She immediately made me feel very comfortable and it felt as if she had been their doctor for years. I am very happy to have found a pediatrician that I feel I can trust with the care of my children.”"
    Monica/Hoover
  • "“Great experience! My daughter got sick at school and I was able to make a same day appointment with Acton Road Pediatrics and got in right away. The front desk staff and the medical assistant were very nice and helpful. Dr. Frees was great, gave realistic expectations and timelines. I’m so glad that we chose Dr. Frees as our pediatrician.”"
    Eleanor/Chelsea
  • "“Dr. McAfee is a great doctor! She’s very understanding and listens to your concerns. She takes time with my son to help him with his health issues! I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a pediatrician.”"
    Julie/Bessemer
  • "“As a first time parent I was really nervous. The staff and Dr. Breedlove were all very friendly and helpful. I especially loved how Dr. Breedlove really took her time to explain everything with us. The visit was great and the doctor’s demeanor has really put my husband and me at ease. I’ve told my New Mom group all about Acton Road Pediatrics!!”"
    Payton/Gardendale
  • ""Great medical office, wonderful, warm experience from start to finish. Appreciate Dr. Moore taking time to go over the diagnosis clearly and treatment options. Many thanks to everyone at Acton Road Pediatrics.""
    Angela/Birmingham
  • "“Dr. Frees is incredible. Not only has she taken great care of my children, but also she is lovely to speak with at every appointment. It’s rare to find a doctor that combines such personal touches and care for a patient as a person with outstanding quality of medical care. I highly recommend Dr. Frees!”"
    Janet/Vestavia