10 Food Rules Worth Following

We all know that teaching our kids to eat healthy is very important for their growth. While enforcing a diet helps, kids will only stick to a healthy diet for life if they learn to appreciate and enjoy it.
Start by explaining at their level official dietary guidelines. Also, get them involved with recipes and their preparation. Show them the ingredients and the impact in our bodies and on the Earth.
Here are 10 food rules that are worth following, and explaining to kiddos:

1. Eat mostly plants: the benefits of a plant-based diet include improved blood pressure, decreased risk of heart disease, lowered cholesterol and better weight control.
2. Eat animals that have themselves eaten well: not only we are preserving their species, but also consuming less antibiotics and other medicines indirectly.
3. Have a colored diet: the colors of many vegetables reflect the different antioxidant phytochemicals they contain.
4. Balance is key: eating junk food occasionally is ok. Compensate it as soon as you can by going back to your healthy, but always delicious, diet.
5. Healthy meals are just as delicious: use great recipes with quality ingredients, and your dish will most likely be very yummy! Plan ahead and have good ingredients in your pantry.
6. Whole grains, always: whole grains are just as good in terms of taste, but so much richer in quality. Seriously, the benefits of adding the vitamins and fiber to your diet are incomparable.
7. Avoid processed foods: cooking a meal, or eating a fruit or dairy is just as easy, with huge benefits. At least try it! You will be surprised by how easy it can be.
8. Appreciate quality taste: don't fall for sugar, salt and fat as tasty ingredients. Don't underestimate the magic flavor of herbs, honey, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and other simple organic ingredients.
9. Eat less of these: sodium, saturated fat, trans fat; added sugars and refined grains.That simple!
10. Simplify: if meeting dietary guidelines feels overwhelming, find ways to make things a little easier on yourself. Take a few shortcuts by adding chopped fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products to your shopping cart.

Sources: Michael Pollan books, eatingwell.com, healthy.gov