In this diet-obsessed world it's no wonder our kids are confused about food. What can we do to help? Here are some simple ways to teach your children to eat healthily.

1. Ditch the 'naughty but nice' attitude. Thanks to those old cream cake adverts a whole generation has grown up attaching guilt and sin to certain foods. Whether or not you buy into this belief, it's important not to project ideas about what foods are 'good' or 'bad' onto our kids as this could make them feel anxious and worried about what they eat. A negative association with food can cause eating problems later in life.

2. Limit high fat snacks. Watch the amount of high fat foods and snacks your children eat. Gently warn them about the long-term dangers of obesity. Being obese will increase their chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and some types of cancer.

3. Practice what you preach. Make a point to always feed your children fresh vegetables (frozen ones are just as good if you're short on time) and limit the servings of processed, freezer-based, convenience meals. A balanced meal should be based on starchy carbohydrates (potatoes, pasta, rice or bread) with a small portion of protein (lean meat, eggs, tofu or nuts), dairy (yoghurt, cheese or milk) and a large portion of vegetables.

4. Don't use food as a reward. Try to disassociate food with good behaviour. If you make a habit of telling your kids they can have a chocolate as long as they're good, or you'll take them to McDonald's as a special treat, they may start relying on food to feel valued. Find other ways of reinforcing good behaviour, such as reading to kids or giving older children books or taking them to the cinema.
   5. Discourage crash dieting. Restrictive eating plans that concentrate on only one or two foods may be successful in the short term but are unsustainable over a long period of time because they're dull and hard to stick to. These plans may also be dangerous because they are deficient in a range of nutrients.

   6. Make mealtimes relaxed. Aim to make meals a positive family occasion instead of a stressful one. If the morning is too hectic to have a meal together, make dinner a time when you all meet up and talk about your day. Gently encourage your children to eat their vegetables, but don't pressure them too much if they refuse. Simply try to coax them at the next meal or think of ways to combine healthy foods like fruit and veg with other foods they love. If they fancy sandwiches, put slices of roast peppers or courgettes on a wholegrain bun with a portion of their favourite cheese.

   7. Aim to exercise. Even though your kids may be eating well, exercising regularly is also crucial for good health. Teaching your children to make fitness a priority will send the message that they don't have to diet to maintain a healthy weight. Get your children to exercise at the weekend and during school holidays by taking active family trips. Running around a theme park or adventure playground, swimming and cycling are all great ways of fitting activity into your day.
   For more information about this subject take a look at Help for an overweight child and A fruitful endeavor.