7 tips to help children develop healthy habits.

It can be a constant battle for parents to teach their children healthy habits. Experts believe the key is to begin from an early age and for parents to be good role models when it comes to eating healthily. In this post, we share 7 easy tips to help your child develop healthy habits.

1.    Start small

2.     

Being healthy is all about making small and not drastic changes to your lifestyle. Sit down and assess your current lifestyle as a family and involve the children into the discussion.

 Prepare home made lunches and snacks instead of buying food from cafes and school canteen.

 Get the kids involved by creating an ideas chart on how the whole family can follow a healthier lifestyle. Why not try NUTRIWAY Chewable Multivitamin & Iron supplements packed with 11 vitamins and iron for diets that don't quite go according to plan or NUTRIWAY Chewable Natural C for stubborn little diets lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables.

2.  Visit food markets

If you’ve been buying fruits and vegetables from large supermarket chains, why not check out your local famers’ market on the weekends and take the children along to choose food?

 Local markets usually have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables which haven’t been frozen plus buying food in bulk can save you money.

 Involve your child in choosing the food by teaching them how to pick out the best ones.

3. Distinguish treats from healthy foods

Foods high in fat and sugar like chocolates or ice-cream should be classed as treats not food to be consumed daily. Make the distinction early on with your children and only allow these foods occasionally.

Keep an eye on portion sizes when ordering treats in restaurants or cafes, always go for the smallest sizes and share with another family member. Buy low-fat frozen yoghurt instead of high calorie desserts to dole out as a treat after dinner.

4. Walk where possible

Encourage children to be physically active every day whether it’s walking to the shops or taking the dog for a walk. Exercising as a family such as cycling on the weekends or swimming gets everyone out of the house and helps with bonding.

Set a positive example by doing as much physical activity yourself, encourage and praise your child when you see them being active.

5. Cook at home

25 per cent of Australian children are currently being classified as overweight or obese¹ and one of the behaviours contributing to this trend is more takeaway meals being consumed in front of the TV. A 2010 study found that those families who didn’t watch TV during meal times were less likely to have children who ate chips or soft drinks.³

Cooking meals at home takes a little bit of planning but once you start, you’ll be surprised at how easy and convenient it really is! Plan meals in advance and pre-cook items like pasta sauces so that a quick meal of wholemeal pasta is ready for those busy days. Add some frozen vegetables to it and a quick side salad and you have a nutritious meal the whole family will enjoy.

6.  Don’t use food as reward or punishment

Experts say that food shouldn’t be used for reward or punishment as it can encourage children to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. If your child has shown some pleasing behaviour, take them to the park or the beach. Similarly, don’t withhold food as punishment as it can encourage naughty or undesirable behaviour.

7. Eat meals together

Sitting down as a family to enjoy meals every night can encourage children to develop healthy eating habits. Avoid scolding or arguing at these times and help children to slow down and eat properly. A study published in the Pediatrics journal stated that families who ate meals together had children in the normal weight range and had healthier. 

Source: www.amwaytoday.com.au/Health/h