How to grow healthy children?

Over the recnt maonths there has been growing concerns about the health of our young people. The Government is taking strong steps to educate and support families to make changes to eating habits and are also working towards changes in schools in tuck shops and lunch rooms.

Here are 10 tips that families can use to encourage healthy eating.

10 Tips for parents to achieve healthy diets for kids

	Eat together as a family as often as you can.
	Drink water and milk instead of sugary drinks.
	Provide a jug of water on the table for the whole family to share during mealtimes.
	Involve your kids in choosing a meal and then get them to help you prepare it, such as peeling, chopping, cooking or serving.
	Keep a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit on hand for quick healthy snacks.
	Try and make fruit and vegetables a part of every meal.
	Make sure portion sizes are appropriate. The size of a person�s hands is a good guide to what is the right serving size for them. For example, for a child�s meal use their hand as a guide.
	To encourage kids to eat more fruit and vegetables, try cutting and presenting them in different, easy-to-eat shapes. Also try different cooking methods.
	Kids learn a lot from how their parents eat. Lead by example - make sure you eat and enjoy different vegetables as a regular part of your diet.
	Try making meal times enjoyable and a happy whanau time.   For more information visit http://www.feedingourfutures.org.nz