Tips for Parents and Carers

Healthy eating gives kids the energy they need for their busy days.

Here are some great ways to make it easier.

Breakfast is important: it can be up to 12 hrs since their last meal, so kids need to refuel for the day ahead. Give him healthy choices like cereal and reduced fat milk, toast, fresh fruit, eggs on toast, juice and reduced fat yoghurt.

Water works: get kids into the habit of drinking water to keep them hydrated throughout the day.

Snack smart: encourage your kids to take an interest in their health early in life by planning their own healthy snacks-this will help them look for a healthy diet when they get older.

Get cooking: food is not just about good nutrition; it's one of life's great pleasures. Transform your kids into young cooks-even young children can help peel carrots, pod peas, great cheese, put together tacos or design their own healthy pizza toping. If they've helped make it, they'll be more likely to enjoy eating it.

Slow and steady: encourage them to eat slowly. This prevents overeating and helps them recognize when they're full.

Eat at the table: eating snacks and meals sitting down at the table or kitchen bench instead of in front of the tv is good habit for the whole family.

Get a balance: variety and balance are the keep to helping a child enjoy a healthy diet. Aim to eat a variety of foods each day (this depends on the age of the child) including fruit, vegetables breads and cereals, lean meat or fish and reduced fat dairy products.

Tasty exploration: encourage kids to try different food. Exposure to lots of different tastes and flavours adds excitement to meals.