Improving our children's health

BY JULIE SEAMER
FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2008

Improving our children's health and helping them start with good eating habits begins with us parents. Here are some helpful suggestions on how to condition ourselves into conditioning them – positively!

To successfully encourage kids to eat healthfully we need to set a good example. Unfortunately they don't respond to what we say; young people are more influenced by what they see and experience. Good habits learnt at an early age may stay with them for life.
Give them a balanced diet with plenty of real food. If they develop a taste for natural food early on they'll be less likely to shun it later. While it's almost impossible to keep junk food (processed items, preservatives, sugar etc) out of their lives completely, if you prepare healthy colourful natural food often, the nutrients in these meals and snacks will balance out the empty calories of the processed stuff.
Avoid bribing them with treats, sweets and dessert (I've been guilty of this myself!). Although it's lovely to give something especially yummy and naughty occasionally, kids really need attention, time and love more than anything that comes in a brightly coloured wrapper.
Have healthy snacks ready to go, sliced fruit in the fridge, raisins or dates, almonds or nuts, pieces of cheese with healthy crackers, popcorn etc. After school it's especially important to balance their sugar cravings and not overload them with high-GI foods as they will be less likely to settle for dinner.
Involve them in shopping and preparing the food they like to eat. Maybe give them a budget of $10 to spend at the supermarket then play restaurant when you come home. Creating fun is always a winner, and you can still steer them toward making healthy choices, explaining why they should do so.
Let them see how things grow, and where food comes from. Children find the process of a seed sprouting magical, and it is! A small vegie garden will make eating vegies all the more rewarding as they can help plant, water, weed, harvest and cook them, so they feel involved in their meals.
Organise the fridge and pantry so that the kids can reach the things you want them to eat, easily.
Certain junk items will always end up in the trolley, so try to choose those with the least amount of chemicals (for instance plain potato chips rather than flavoured). Additives are increasingly common and found most especially in soft drinks, baked goods, sauces, cereals, even bread.
Supplement their diets with protective nutrients such as fish oil capsules, a multi-vitamin and mineral complex, and gentle herbal formulas that are formulated for children and usually quite palatable. If they get used to taking 'medicine' from a young age, it's alot less difficult to administer tablets etc when they're unwell and have prescribed medication. Powdered multi-vitamins and liquid varieties are also available for children, which might suit your child better, if he/she dislikes swallowing capsules and tablets.
Lastly, look out for allergies or food sensitivities and remember that everyone can be vulnerable at certain times. Ample water intake and a regular healthy balance of exercise, rest and sleep are all extremely important for growing robust bodies, and will complement a good diet.

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