Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Tips
Obesity in Ireland is on the increase in our little rascals. Setting good eating and activity habits from a young age is fundamental to ensuring they grow up with a healthy and balanced approach to food and exercise.
- Physical Activity
It is important not to become overzealous when it comes to your child’s weight. If there is one thing that will help with your child’s future health is encouraging them to be active and finding activities they enjoy, whether its going for walks in the park, playing football with friends, walking the dog, dancing, going swimming, joining a judo or karate class, taking part in school sports and events. Whatever they enjoy that keeps them active, encourage them to continue. They don’t have to be or aim to be super athletes – all they need to do is keep active.
- Good Relationship with Food
Allow your child to help with food preparation and learn how to prepare simple meals/dishes.
- Always offer variety.
Ensure that meals are an occasion of enjoyment and relaxation – do not have any distractions like the TV on in the background. The whole family should try and sit down for a meal and socialise.
- Try not to offer sugar and fattening snacks. Instead make available healthier snacks for them to nibble on.
See healthy snacks section
- Watch the drinks
Water is still the best drink and should be consumed throughout the day
- Low fat milk/yogurt based drinks are excellent to have as part of a snack – but not too close to meal times.
- Keep soft drinks containing sugar to a minimum
If you are concerned in any way with regard to your child’s nutrition, health, attitude to food, please see your doctor who will be able to provide you with appropriate help.
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