Leading by example

When it comes to kids and healthy eating, parents have a very important role to play. From early childhood, kids learn by example - they watch us closely and mimic everything we do, including our eating habits.

It's no use telling your kids that sweets and soda are bad for them and that they should eat their fruit and veggies every day, if you don't do so yourself. After all, actions speak louder than words. So, what do your eating habits look like? Are you setting a good example?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you skip breakfast?
• Do you drink lots of soda?
• Do you avoid fruit and vegetables?
• Do you eat in front of the TV?
• Do you often snack on unhealthy treats?
• Do you eat a lot of junk food?
• Do you eat late at night?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you could be sending your child the wrong message about food.

Good nutrition is crucial to the healthy growth and development of a child. It also helps prevent childhood obesity and diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The only way you will be able to introduce your child to a variety of healthy foods and the multitude of health benefits associated with it, is by enjoying those foods yourself. Numerous studies have shown that a child is far more likely to try new foods, if they see their parents being adventurous themselves.

Here are some healthy eating tips to try at home:

• Always eat breakfast for sustained energy and improved concentration levels.
• Enjoy dinner together as a family - switch off the TV, sit around a table and enjoy some quality family time.
• Eat a rainbow of colours daily. This will ensure that you get your 5 portions of fruit and veggies every day.
• Try new foods yourself and encourage your child to do the same.
  
• Drink water and milk instead of soda.
• Limit junk foods and desserts.
• Have healthy snack foods on standby such as fruit, nuts, seeds, raisins and unsalted popcorn.
  
• Watch portion sizes
• When shopping for food, let your kids pick out their favourite fruits and veggies.
• Let your kids help with the cooking and teach them about healthy cooking methods.
• Always have a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter and veggie sticks in the fridge to stave off hunger pangs, and more importantly, set an example by snacking on them in front of your children when feeling peckish.
• Allow the occasional treat. If you and your kids eat healthily 90% of the time, the odd slice of pizza, chocolate or packet of crisps will do no harm.
  

Make the decision today for you and your family to adopt a healthy lifestyle - and you will reap the benefits for many years to come.