If you’re a parent, your child’s health will be of paramount importance to you. Children need to eat a balanced diet and take a certain amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Parents who educate their children in the importance of good health will find their kids much more compliant when it comes to making changes, like taking a healthier packed lunch to school.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet
If your child eats right, then they will be protected from many common childhood illnesses and gain good eating habits that will follow them into adulthood. Like adults, children should aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. Try to buy wholegrain rice and pasta where possible and base your child’s meals around starchy foods. You should also include some milk and dairy products and foods that are good sources of protein, including meat, fish, eggs, lentils and beans. Go for low-fat dairy options wherever possible.
Get Your Child Involved
Children are naturally curious, so why not involve them in food-related activities to foster a healthy interest in diet and wellbeing? Take your child to the supermarket with you and allow them to choose healthy foods for the whole family. If your child is old enough, tell them to read the labels on packets and show them how to pick out low-fat options. Some adults still don’t know how to find the sugar and fat content on packets of snack foods. Getting your kids involved in cooking and baking is both fun and educational, so dig out some healthy recipes and ask them to help.
Make Exercise Fun
The NHS advises that children do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Instead of driving your children to school, try walking with them or allowing them to ride their bikes or scooters. Young children may wish to play hide and seek or tag in the garden, so make sure you’re available to participate with them. It’s important that parents set a good example for their children, because young people are greatly influenced by the behaviour of their parents. Consider ditching the car next time you take a trip into town or suggest that the whole family goes to walk the dog instead of sitting in front of the television.
Genetic Predispositions
Some children are genetically predisposed to certain illnesses due to health conditions that have reoccurred within the family. To best protect your child’s health, it’s important to be aware of any genetic predispositions. You can find out whether these exist by visiting your GP or getting your child to undertake a simple DNA test. To find out more, contact a specialist firm like GTL DNA.
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