15 Ways to raise a healthy child

Let your kids play in the dirt!

In today's hyper hygienic world, many parents douse their kids in anti-bacterial gel at the sight of dirty hands, but research has shown that letting your kids get dirty is actually healthy! Soil exposure increases serotonin, which is a natural anti-depressant that makes us happier -- plus it strengthens the immune system. Encourage your child to help out in the garden or create a dirt track with their favorite toy trucks and cars.

Be a good role model

"Eat the healthy foods that you want your children to eat yourselves! If you're eating a big salad with dinner every night, your children will be more likely to eat it too," says Eve Kecskes, MS, RD.

food is not a reward

Don't offer dessert as a reward for eating vegetables, for example. "Dessert is ok in moderation and shouldn't be used as a reward if you want to develop healthy eating habits," says Kecskes.

Don't force fruits and veggies

"Don't make a big deal when your child doesn't finish the fruits and veggies on their plate, " says Kecskes, saying this will make them less likely to eat them. "Instead, just continue to offer the foods and let your child choose if and how much they will eat." Also, make a variety of fruits and vegetables available, as well as 100% fruit juices.

Evaluate your child's Vitamin D levels

" Many children are not getting as much Vitamin D as they need due to the use of sunscreens and reduction of sun exposure, says Dr. Perry Wolk-Weiss, author of Ten Commandments for a Healthy Lifestyle. "Consequences of Vitamin D deficiency are asthma, muscle weakness, and increased risk of infections and autoimmune disorders," says Dr. Wolk-Weiss. "Supplementation with a liquid form of Vitamin D3 is easy and tasteless for kids."

Another easy fix is to incorporate Vitamin D and calcium fortified juices into their diet.

You are what you eat

The saying "garbage in, garbage out" holds true for the human body, says Dr. Wolk-Weiss. "Studies demonstrate that children who consume more plant-based, organic foods develop healthier, stronger immune systems. When our children don't eat fruits and vegetables and instead are fed junk food, the groundwork may be laid for cancer, diabetes and other diseases down the road," he says.

Up next: More ways to raise a healthy child >>