How to encourage healthy eating habits in your child

Did you know that more than 40 million children under the age of five are overweight, according to the World Health Organization? Sadly, these kids are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, bone, and joint problems, sleep apnea, and self-esteem issues, as well as long-term health issues.

It can be difficult to persuade a child that fruit is preferable to biscuits or a bag of chips, but if you choose a peach over a bag of chips, your child will eventually follow your lead. You are actually teaching your children valuable life skills by teaching them to make healthy choices.

Here are some pointers to get you started:

• Salt retains water, so limit your child’s intake.
• Keep your child’s sugar intake to a minimum. When children consume excessive amounts of sugar, they are more likely to gain unhealthy weight and develop dental cavities and tooth decay.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Water is essential for proper body function, and if your child does not drink enough of it, he or she may become dehydrated.
• Instead of ice-cream, serve frozen yoghurt or a smoothie, which are lower in fat.
• Always serve baked or grilled foods rather than fried foods because baked foods contain far less fat.
• Instead of watching television all day, encourage your children to get active and play outside.

Download your free Nestlé healthy lunchbox preparation guide here.