Encourage healthy eating at an early age. There are steps you can take to encourage healthy eating at home.
Tips for healthy eating
Do
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keep healthy foods handy (for example, have a fruit bowl)
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make fruit the snack of choice
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introduce new foods slowly without comment
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stick with changes - it may take several times to succeed
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turn off the TV and keep phones away when eating
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make changes as a family - for example, a healthy swap from white bread to wholemeal bread
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include vegetables at main meals and fruit at lunch
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agree a day where everyone has a treat
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offer milk and water to drink
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let your child help you prepare food - this might encourage them to eat what they have made
Don't
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do not not keep high fat, high sugar or high salt foods in your house, such as biscuits, crisps and sweets
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do not ban any foods, such as ice cream and sweets - a ban can make these foods more appealing
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do not make a fuss if your child eats sugary foods at a friend’s birthday party - it’s a party treat
The importance of breakfast
Make sure your child eats breakfast every day. It gives children the energy they need. Lead by example by eating breakfast yourself. Try to sit down and share breakfast with your child whenever you can.
Other meals
Use children's plates and bowls to give your child a small portion of food. A child's appetite can vary and increase as they grow. Listen to your child when they say that they have had enough.
Healthy eating for families with children age 5 or older
Get support
Safefood.ie has meals, recipes, diaries, reward charts and plenty of support to help parents encourage healthy eating and activity.
