Cooking with kids can be a really fun family-activity, plus it has many positive outcomes. Eating more meals at home is associated with a higher intake of fruits, vegetables and dairy products, with less fat and calories. It also brings along many other benefits for kids, such as:Â
1. Developing an appreciation for healthy foods
If parents can serve as good role models with their food choices, their kids will more likely follow along. Cooking and eating together helps kids appreciate healthy foods.
2. Encouraging kids to try new foods
Kids enjoy eating what they’ve prepared. When kids are involved in the selection of ingredients and preparation of foods, they’re more likely to try their creations. The cooking experience will help to cultivate an open mind when it comes to trying new foods.
3. Boosting their self-esteem
Kids derive a sense of pride and independence when they cook. Kids love to boast that “I did it all myself!” When they’re able to prepare something on their own, no matter how simple, and then serve it to family, it boosts their self-esteem. Help your kids by guiding them toward age-appropriate recipes.
4. Tapping on their creative side
Once kids have some basic skills and learn to follow recipes, they should be encouraged to get creative. You can start with a simple basic recipe. Once they’ve come up with their own recipes, many kids enjoy creating their own recipe file.
5. Encouraging family bonding
Spending time together in the kitchen can be fun and relaxing for both kids and adults. Many kids don’t need much coaxing to join you in the kitchen, so use this time to simply enjoy each other’s company and talk about how good — and good for you — your meal is going to be.
6. Enhancing fine motor skills
Letting your kids get involved in activities such as stirring, mixing the ingredients, rolling the dough or, for older children, chopping vegetables is a great way to enhance their fine motor strength, control, and eye-hand coordination.
7. Increasing Focus and Attention
Cooking involves following recipes and steps correctly in order to get to the delicious, final product. When cooking, children learn to pay attention to each detail. They learn quickly they have to focus if they want to eat that snack or meal at the end!
Susan BowermanM.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training
Susan Bowerman is the senior director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife Nutrition. She also serves as a chairwoman of the Dietetic Advisory Board (DAB). As a registered dietitian, she educates distributors about our global nutrition philosophy and is responsible for developing nutrition education and training materials.
Bowerman earned a B.S. in Biology with distinction from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in Food Science and Nutrition from Colorado State University. She is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and holds two board certifications as a specialist in Sports Dietetics and in Obesity and Weight Management. When she is not busy teaching and writing, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and gardening. Her favorite Herbalife Nutrition products include Simply Probiotic and Herbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix Banana Caramel.