5 Healthy Eating Tips For Kids - Guest Post

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child is to teach them all about
healthy eating: how to have a balanced diet, enjoy food and also how exercise can help them to stay
fit and healthy. Following these tips will help keep your little ones diet healthy and give them the
energy they need to face those long days of school and play!

Start as You Mean to Go On!

It's a much-uttered phrase amongst parents that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day".
And it's true. The human body needs fuel to be able to function as it should just as a car needs
petrol or diesel. Energy levels are particularly low after a full night's sleep, so it's essential to make
sure your kids re-fuel with a healthy breakfast when they wake. Try a good balance of carbohydrates
and protein: cereal with milk; fruit and yogurt or toast and egg are all great choices for a healthy,
filling breakfast.

Have Fun with Food

At home, say goodbye to TV dinners and eat as a family around the table whenever possible. Take
the opportunity to talk with your children about their day and mealtimes will become a special,
family event. The great news is that, if your child sees you eating new or different foods, they are
likely to try them for themselves! Similarly, try to get your children involved in cooking. Whether
it's helping to prepare a meal or baking biscuits at the weekend, little ones will be excited to try
foods that they have made. Making shapes or pictures with food (e.g. funny faces) can make food or
snacks more fun and will appeal to your child.

Variety is the Spice of Life

To ensure your children get all the vitamins and minerals their body needs, it's vital to make sure
that their diet is varied. No one food contains everything a body needs for good health, so eating
a diverse range of foods will help to get the balance right. When it comes to fruit and vegetables,
colour is a good indicator of the nutrients they contain, so a lovely colourful plate is a good sign! You
should be aiming for a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (a child's portion is
around the size of his or her fist) for good health. Why not take your child shopping and allow him or
her to choose some unusual or exotic fruits to try.

Keep Moving!

Whether it's cycling, ball games, swimming or just running around play area surfaces, children
should be encouraged to move more! This will help them to burn off excess energy, help to
condition their muscles and keep their bodies fit and healthy. Urge your children to move away from
the television or games console and get moving. It's loads of fun and of course, mum and dad can
join in too!

Choose Clever Snacks

Young children have small tummies so are unable to eat huge amounts in one sitting. Therefore,
healthy snacks can be given to keep energy levels topped up between meals. Chocolate, crisps and
cakes etc should be offered only as occasional treats. Wherever possible, encourage your children to
opt for healthier snack choices: small sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruits and cheese
with breadsticks or crackers are all great snacks for kids.

Today's Guest Post was written by Sophie Banat, MSc graduate in Psychology. Interested in health, beauty and fashion. Tweets @Scramboodle.

Posted in: Family-Life,Health,Kids,Marvelous Mommy Meals