iVillage parents discuss the issue of children' diets and offer tips on how to encourage your kids to keep fit and healthy

Start young
It helps to start with a healthy lifestyle, rather than introduce it at a later date. I think one of the major problems is that sweets are given as a treat. Advertising nowadays is also ridiculous! I went into my local supermarket the other day and saw `Winnie the Pooh Hunny' Obviously a child would rather have Winnie the Pooh honey on toast for breakfast rather than Weetabix; similarly with McDonalds Happy Meals -the kids want the toys, so you have to buy the meal.
mummymouse

Avoid fizzy drinks
I didn't know that fizzy drinks contain so much phosphorus, which negates the strengthening qualities of calcium for bones and teeth.

By the time you hit 25 the regenerative processes of your body are complete, so the knock-on effect of these drinks could be problems such as osteoporosis in those approaching their 30's and 40's, in a few years time.
yoyo999

Start as you mean to go on
I was determined to give my kids the best start possible. When they were babies, I mainly made their baby food, and made quite a wide variety, using fresh produce such as sweet potato, spinach, carrots and apples etc.

They are now eight and nine years old, and they rarely have junk food or crisps, sweets or chocolates. They love their fruit and vegetables and don't nag me for the rubbish.

I've tried both packed lunches and school meals and find that school lunches remain the unhealthier option, as all they tend to serve are variations on chicken nuggets, fish fingers and pizza. With packed lunches, I know how much they need and what they'll eat. I always include at least two portions of fruit, four slices of bread with a variety of healthy fillings, and then either a yoghurt, piece of celery or a carrot.

I believe that parents who feed their kids rubbish and do not actively encourage exercise cause childhood obesity. My two children are very healthy, are rarely ill, they have great teeth and rarely pick up the bugs in school. They walk to school and back everyday (40 min round trip), and I'm very proud of them.
yorkietoni

Exercise and outdoor play
I think one of the main aspects of child obesity is the lack of exercise. My son has Physical Education (PE) twice a week, which I don't think is enough. He also has to walk to school as we haven't got a car, and it's a 20/25 min walk, which is good for him.

As a parent, I worry about him going out to play when he is older because of the dangers of paedophiles and other safety concerns. I think that maybe this is another reason why children are getting less exercise. If they are inside playing playstation, their parents, at least, know where they are and that they are safe. I used to play in the cul-de-sac all day on bikes, skates, etc. and explore the local forest and parks with a net and wellies, but I don't know my son will do the same.

I will encourage my son to be as confident as possible, and to face the outside world with guidance from us. My area is quite quiet and if my son wants to play outside or in the park I just go with him and, besides, I like seeing him grow up and making new friends.
rosie4711

Moderate junk food
I try to cook my children dinners with vegetables, which, luckily, they both eat without too much fuss. My mum makes most of their evening meals through the week, and she knows that I don't like them to eat too much convenience food and she does her best to give them the vitamins they need.

Every so often I treat them; for example, I did take them both to McDonalds the other night. I had been to their school Christmas concert and been bowled over by how good they all were. So McDonalds was a well-deserved treat, but I don't take them often!
cl-ivelouise

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