Health
"Sometimes my mummy gives me half a banana because my sister wants some" Leonardo
Childhood obesity is rapidly becoming endemic in the UK, in spite of many public campaigns attempting to increase awareness of the problem. The nature of modern lifestyles is such that few children cycle or walk to school. This lack of physical activity, coupled with a high fat and sugar diet, is the main cause of childhood obesity. A survey by the Institute of Child Health in 2007 estimated that almost one in four children are overweight or obese by the time they reach the age of three.
What we feed our children during childhood influences eating habits, health and body weight in later life. Solidarity Sports is committed to provide within the framework of the range of clubs, projects and activities we offer, the opportunity for children to engage in the selection and preparation of their food. We promote healthy eating and encourage children to get their 5-a-day of fruit and vegetables by offering a nutritious selection of food. This increases their awareness of what they are eating and helps build healthy habits for life.Helpful tips to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables:
• Start early by offering toddlers a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables.
• Encourage children to get involved in the preparation of the food they eat.
• Explain to children the consequences of having an unhealthy diet.
• Smoothies and juices are a great way to get children consuming more healthy foods.
• Join a gardening project; children are more likely to eat food they have helped grow.
• Encourage your child to eat their vegetables at the start of a meal, when they are hungriest.
• Vary the way you prepare vegetables: raw, steam, bake, grill, blend, boil or lightly fry.
• Try dry fruits (without added sugars) for a healthy snack.
• If a child refuses to eat a type of food, advise them that you are saving it for when they are hungry.
• Research shows children need to be introduced to food eight times before they try it. Be patient and keep trying.
• Most importantly, set a good example and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables in front of your children.
You can buy our international healthy cook book here soon
