Increasing numbers of Britain's kids are getting fat and unfit, so it's time to tear them away from their computer games and bags of crisps, and think up fun ways to get them into shape

Almost a quarter of Britain's under-fours are already medically overweight and, according to a recent study carried out at Liverpool University, the number of clinically obese children has almost doubled in the last 10 years to around one in 10.

Inspiring ways to a fitter family

Get physical!
Just moving around instead of sitting down is a great start to getting more physical. Try these ideas to bring the fun back into fitness:

Set some physical challenges for all the family
It could be playing Twister; having a disco dancing competition (but you have to really throw yourselves into it!) or skipping with ropes in the garden - anything that gets you all moving. On your calendar, pencil in an activity for every day so that you all get to spend some active time together.

Turn out the shed
Find your old Swingball, Frisbee®, footballs, basketball hoop - anything you used to enjoy doing but have forgotten about - then give it a new lease of life with the kids.

Investigate different sports
Some leisure centres coach kids from as young as four in basketball, tennis and martial arts.

Put your family bikes back into service
If you don't have any, look for second-hand bargains in the local newsagents' windows or in your free papers, or check out your local car-boot sale. Just after Christmas is a good time to buy, as lots of adults and children will have had new bikes from Santa. Schedule a long bike ride for the next three available weekends.

Dig out your swimming cozzies
Check out the times of the family swimming sessions at your local leisure centre (and don't forget to go along!)

Get your skates on!
Try inline skating. Again, some leisure centres have indoor rollerblading sessions for both adults and children.

Five-a-day the kid-friendly way!

We all know that eating more fruit and veg is supposed to help stave off some of the deadliest diseases, so it makes sense that they should figure large in the family's daily intake. Here are some truly appetising ideas that you'll all enjoy:

Make some non-alcoholic fruit punch:
Try orange and cranberry juice with fizzy water; banana and kiwi liquidised with apple juice; or grape and prune juice (go easy on the prune!) with sugar-free lemonade. Add crushed ice and a slice or two of fruit to garnish.

Whizz up a smoothie
Utilise the food processor or liquidiser for a delicious breakfast treat: you can pour it over muesli instead of milk or just drink it straight.

Roasted veg
It makes a perfect accompaniment to pasta - and it's great for you, too! They're so sweet and delicious that the kids won't even realise they're eating vegetables!

Try some warm salads:
Steamed chicken with mushrooms; lean ribbons of steak and grilled tomatoes; chunks of grilled lamb fillet with mint and mustard dressing - all served on a bed of salad leaves - delicious and healthy!