Getting kids to eat their greens--and making it a habit--is often frustrating for mothers. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, however, there may be ways you can try to entice your kids into eating healthier. Research shows that, in particular, low-income mothers who want their kids to start making better food choices should first make these healthy decisions themselves.

Since children are impressionable, leading by example is a better way of coaxing children to eat healthier compared to less peaceful tactics. "Mothers should stop forcing or restricting their kids' eating," says Sharon Hoerr, one of the study's authors and a Michigan State University professor of food science and human nutrition. "They'd be better off providing a healthy food environment, adopting balanced eating habits themselves, and covertly controlling their children's diet quality by not bringing less healthy foods into the house."

The study also suggests taking your children grocery shopping with you or allowing them to help cook at home. By immersing them in the whole process, they may be more inclined to make better food choices.

(Photo by mhaithaca via Flickr Creative Commons)