Junk the junk food

Do not force new foods Encourage and praise. When a new food is accepted reward with a compliment. Research tells us that it can take up to ten exposures to a food for it to be accepted, but parents usually give up after two or three attempts. If the food is rejected, simply remark that perhaps next time it will be enjoyed. Find interesting ways to introduce the food.

Be a role model There is no point in asking your child to do what you do not. Without pressure, simply eat a nutritious diet as a family and your child will, eventually, follow suit. Be prepared to experiment with new foods and tastes yourself.

Junk food tastes Spell out, whenever you can, what you think about Ugggghh foods. Keep repeating the mantras without being 'preachy', but just pointing out how it is for you when you taste it. Remark on how salty a snack is and how it makes you thirsty, or how something is so sweet that it is cloying and sickly, or how another food is like eating a greaseball, or the fatty taste is sticking to the roof of your mouth, or even if something tastes of chemicals.

Do the opposite with real foods and comment, for instance, on how the strawberries have a sweet and sharp taste, the fish has a delicate taste, the subtle blend of spices in another dish give it a delicious aroma and taste.

Instant gratification One of the easiest ways for your children to fall back on junk food habits is to satisfy urges for instant filling and strong-tasting food. The only way to beat this is to always have really delicious quick snacks and meals readily to hand that are also nutritious.

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