Which practice is most effective in helping children develop healthful eating habits?

Including a variety of fresh and cooked foods from all major food groups in meals is the most effective practice for helping children develop healthful eating habits. This approach exposes children to a wide range of nutrients essential for their growth and development. By incorporating diverse foods, children are more likely to learn about and accept different tastes, textures, and colors, which can foster a positive relationship with food.

Offering a variety of foods can also help in preventing nutritional deficiencies and encourages a balanced diet. Children who are accustomed to eating various food groups tend to have a more flexible approach to food and are less likely to become picky eaters. This exposure is critical in establishing lifelong healthy eating patterns.

The other options might limit children's experiences with food or promote unhealthy habits. For instance, only encouraging vegetables or requiring everything on their plate can create negative associations with eating. Meanwhile, limiting snacks could be useful, but without the foundational principle of diverse food groups in meals, it may not contribute as effectively to developing overall healthy eating habits.