Children's health
We
all know that children can be fussy eaters – as can some
adults!
But learning about healthy eating is important if your child is
going to grow up with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Make healthy eating fun!
There are lots of things
you can do to make learning about food and healthy
eating fun, nutritious and delicious.
Here are ten ideas to get you going:
- Make your weekly food shop a family outing and let your
children see what you're buying. Invite them to choose a couple of
healthy items – see if they can identify fruits and their countries
of origin.
- Eating breakfast helps children stay alert during lessons and
energised throughout the day. Try wholegrain cereals topped with
low fat yoghurt and fruit to help them reach their
five-a-day.
- Pack lunchboxes with healthy eating options, like pittas and
bagels filled with tuna and sweetcorn. Low-fat yoghurt and a small
packet of dried fruits will satisfy a sweet tooth.
For after-school snacks make sure
there are fruit and nuts to hand. Beans on toast or mashed banana
sandwiches are healthy ideas for really hungry
youngsters.
- Try to make healthy food fun and tasty and blend fresh fruits
together into a smoothie instead of offering sugary, fizzy
drinks.
- Think up quizzes and fun games about food, such as asking your
children to design a healthy picnic.
- Get your children to take part in regular healthy cooking days
- mixing and mashing ingredients can be fun and educational.
Children always love to eat what they have cooked.
- Meals can be made to look interesting by using lots of
different coloured fruits and vegetables. Get your children to
serve and arrange the food on the plate.
- Don't forget to practice what you preach! Set a good example by
eating healthily yourself. Children love to feel grown
up.
- Allow your children to have an occasional treat, such as crisps
or cake - but make sure it's not more than once or twice a
week.