Any parent knows that kids can be as stubborn as mules – especially when it comes to their eating habits! The fact is that nutrition is probably not top of mind early in their lives. As children get older, they become more independent and start making more and more decisions on their own, and this includes deciding what foods they eat. Peer pressure, TV ads for crummy fast food, lack of down-time and the seemingly irresistible temptation of sugary goodies can make it difficult for kids to eat the right foods.
But you’ll want to make the effort to help them develop better habits, because healthy eating can stabilize energy, hone mental processes, and promote and overall better mood. Encouraging better eating habits in your teen can make a huge impact on their lifelong food habits, but (and this is a huge BUT) getting those hormonal monsters to do something they don’t want to do is never an easy undertaking.
One of the best ways to make sure your child gets proper nutrition is by having them eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresher produce is better and more nutritious because fruits and vegetables lose their optimal nutritional value as soon as they are picked. After your produce is picked, vitamins like C, E, A, and some B vitamins begin to deteriorate and the amount contained in the food is decreased. Additional factors such as the exposure to air, artificial lights, and temperature changes can also decrease the nutritional value of food. Simply put, the longer the food sits the less nutritional value it has. Eating fresh produce means that you are getting it at its peak state.
The simple act of eating fresh foods also means that you’re probably eating more fruits and vegetables in general, and it’s nearly impossible to argue with the health benefits of a diet rich in these foods. Eating fresh can lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and eye and digestive problems. It’s even been 
There’s no doubt that getting your kids to eat fresh can be a difficult task, but given the health benefits, it’s definitely worth the trouble!