By Andrea Frank Henkart, MA, CNC

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for everyone, but children particularly require a range of nutrients for healthy growth and development. A nutritious diet can balance energy, increase concentration, and improve mood, allowing kids to maximize their potential at school and at home.

Parents, nutritionists, and pediatricians alike know active kids need essential nutrients to grow strong, but most children aren’t getting enough of the daily requirements needed in their diets. Many preschoolers often have days where they don’t eat any fruits or vegetables. To make matters worse, the average child consumes more than three times the maximum amount of processed sugar recommended.

To encourage your kids to eat a healthy and varied diet and develop a positive relationship with food, leading by example is key. The way parents talk about food, and the types of foods they choose to eat, strongly influences their kids when it comes to healthy eating habits. Constantly talking about dieting and body image teaches your child to focus on weight and appearance instead of an overall healthy lifestyle. Making a conscious effort to practice what you preach is crucial for setting your family up for success. Even when you think they aren’t paying attention to what you do or say, kids tend to be watching and listening.

Increasing your child’s familiarity with fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks in a variety of settings can be very helpful. The aim is to make a variety of foods a familiar part of everyday life, and not just a dreaded dinner table fiasco. Studies have shown that kids are born with a fondness for sweet food and less of a preference for bitter or sour foods. To help change this, it’s important to repeatedly expose your kids to all kinds of flavors and tastes instead of the foods they might prefer to eat. If your child hates kale and broccoli and are never offered it again, they won’t learn to like it. On the other hand, forcing kids to eat foods they hate typically doesn’t work either. Let’s face it, no one likes being forced to eat something they don’t like or aren’t in the mood for. You might try starting an interest in new foods in the grocery aisle while shopping. Give them a fun fact like, “Did you know coconuts are giant nuts that grow on palm trees and they’re filled with a sweet water? Let’s try one. You put it in the cart, OK?”

Including your kids in food prep can also go a long way in getting them involved. Take an active role to help your family by choosing healthy foods, and making sure your kids fuel their bodies with proper nutrition and hydration. Buy organic meats, fruits, and vegetables whenever possible to avoid harmful pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in your food. Keep healthy snacks on hand like fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and limit sugar-sweetened beverages, snacks, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.

Isagenix super food nutrition can be very helpful in making sure your entire family receives some of the vitamins and minerals they may be missing from their diet. All Isagenix products meet our no-compromise standards. We use natural ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Please note, most Isagenix systems and products are intended for adults, however, a number of Isagenix products can serve as kid-friendly alternatives to sugary, fatty meals and snacks. It is best to consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods into your child’s diet, especially if your child has any dietary concerns.

Isagenix is committed to providing the highest quality natural products that help our customers live healthier, happier lives. We often receive questions from parents who wonder if these products are also appropriate for their children. While most Isagenix systems and products are scientifically designed and marketed for adults, many of the products themselves can serve as kid-friendly alternatives to sugary, fattening meals and snacks. In particular, the Isagenix weight-loss systems are intended for adults and are not recommended for children. We provide detailed age information on our website for all Isagenix products, along with full label disclosure on usage and ingredients as a resource and guide. It is best to consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods into your child’s diet, especially if your child has any dietary concerns.

When it comes to the health of your child, the most important thing is to ensure he or she is getting plenty of exercise and eating a well-balanced diet. Think of exercise as a food group. Encourage family bonding with physical activity by turning off the TV and going for a hike, bike ride, jumping rope, or playing soccer in the yard. Make each healthy step a successful and positive one that can be complimented or celebrated. Keep it fun!

Here is a list of kid approved products in the United States:

IsaLean™ Shake (ages 4+)

  • 24 grams of undenatured whey and milk protein
  • Low lactose, zero trans fat
  • Gluten/wheat/soy free
  • Kid-friendly flavors to choose from

Whole Blend IsaLean Shake (ages 4+)

  • 24 grams of undenatured whey and milk protein
  • 21 vitamins and minerals sourced from a premium blend of organic whole food vegetables

Plant-Based Whole Blend IsaLean Shake (ages 4+)

  • 24 grams of plant-based protein from mung beans, fava beans, and peas
  • Complete amino acid profile, similar to our whey-based IsaLean Shake
  • Safe for those with dairy or soy allergies, and those who are lactose intolerant

IsaPro® (ages 12+)

  • Mix with IsaLean Shake for protein and mineral balance
  • Supports lean muscle
  • Great for teen athletes

Isamune® With Zinc (ages 4+)

  • Nature’s immune system enhancer†
  • Powerful combo of zinc, colostrum, and Echinacea
  • Provides immune support

C-Lyte® (ages 12+)

  • 3 forms of vitamin C buffered with minerals
  • Vitamin C equivalent to five cups of orange juice
  • Powerful antioxidant protection

IsaLean™ Bar (ages 4+) 

  • Similar profile to IsaLean Shake
  • 18 grams of high-quality protein
  • No trans fat
  • Complete nutrition for adults and kids
  • Kids love the flavors

FiberPro™ (ages 12+)

  • Flavorless and easily dissolvable
  • 5 grams of soluble fiber
  • Promotes regularity

Isagenix Snacks™ (ages 4+)

  • Blend of protein, carbs, and good fats
  • Low-calorie, bite-size snack
  • Balance of nutrients to keep kids feeling satisfied

Isagenix Fruits™ (ages 4+)

  • Antioxidants and phytonutrients from over 30 fruits
  • Provides immune system support†
  • Great alternative to sugary drinks

AMPED™ Hydrate (ages 4+)

  • A refreshing sports drink enriched with vitamin C, B-complex, and electrolytes
  • Great for maintaining hydration
  • No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners

Fiber Snacks™ (ages 4+)

  • Gluten-free snack helps keep digestive system regular
  • Provides 24% of daily fiber
  • Natural with no artificial colors or flavors

IsaOmega Supreme™ (ages 12+)

  • Supports healthy brain development and heart health
  • Essential fatty acids support healthy immune function
  • High-quality fish oil

Whey Thins™ and Harvest Thins™ (ages 4+)

  • Only 100 calories per pack
  • 10 grams of high quality protein
  • Gluten-free and available in many delicious flavors

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Andrea Frank Henkart

Andrea Frank Henkart, MA, CNC, is an internationally recognized authority on family health. She has two teaching credentials from UCLA, a master’s degree in family psychology, and has over 35 years of experience as a certified nutritional counselor.  She is the author of nine books, including two bestsellers: “Cool Communication: From Conflict to Cooperation for Parents and Kids,” which is co-written with her daughter, Journey, and endorsed by Oprah, Deepak Chopra, and Stephen Covey; and “Isagenix for Healthy Moms and Kids.” Andrea has been featured on hundreds of radio and television shows internationally, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She is fondly known in Isagenix as the “Resident Family Expert.” The proud mother of two adult children, Andrea is passionate about helping families create health and harmony at home.