It is really important for them to have foods from the 4 main food groups ( Fruit and Vegetables, Starchy Carbohydrates, Milk and Dairy and Meat, Fish and Alternatives) so that there bodies are healthy and grow and develop normally.  Unfortunately, lots of children have way too many foods that are high in fats and/or sugars such as chocolate, ice cream, sweets, cakes and processed foods like sausage rolls and crisps which tend to be low in minerals and vitamins that they need.

There are plenty of things parents can do to help to ensure their children are eating healthily and are a healthy weight.  Here are some ideas to start with.

• Complete a food diary to work out how many sugary/fatty foods your child/children are having a day
• Aim for 1 a day
• Think of ways to swop these foods with healthier alternatives such as fruit, low fat yogurt, low fat dip and carrot sticks.
• Join the Change4Life Swapathon which has lists of food swaps.

It has useful advice on eating a healthy balanced diet which includes tips on sugar swap ideas, importance of regular meals, healthy snacks, how to have 5 A Day and cutting back on fat.

On their website you can sign up for a Free Action Plan, as well as lots of useful leaflets, fun stickers, and Kids’ activity and colouring sheets. Why not have a look if you haven’t already?

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