It’s vitally important that children learn the habit of eating well when they are young. Good eating habits last a lifetime and are one of the most important steps towards a lifetime of good health.

Eating well makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight, makes children more likely to do better academically at school, and improves concentration and behaviour. Learning good table manners improves social skills, too.

Follow these ten guidelines to encourage a healthy diet for your child:

1. Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine, aiming for five servings a day.
2. Make it easy for your child to choose healthy snacks by keeping fruit and vegetables on hand and ready to eat. Other good snacks include yogurt, peanut butter and celery, or wholegrain biscuits and cheese.
3. Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as eggs and nuts.
4. Choose wholegrain breads and cereals so that your child gets more fibre.
5. Limit fat intake by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting and steaming.
6. Limit fast food, such as chips and sweets. But don't completely ban favourite snacks from your home. Instead, make them occasional foods, so your child doesn't feel deprived.
7. Make sure your child eats only a moderate amount of foods containing sugar.
8. Cut the amount of salt you use and watch for hidden salt content in food. Some breakfast cereals, spreads and processed foods contain high amounts of salt.
9. Encourage your child to choose water as his or her preferred drink.
10. Don’t let your child skip breakfast. About 10 per cent of children don’t eat breakfast, meaning their diets contain less calcium, iron, fibre and vitamins. Skipping breakfast becomes more common as children get older, so instil good habits early.

How your children eat can be as important as what they eat. There are several strategies that can help your child learn good eating habits:

• Have regular family meals.
• Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.
• Be a role model by eating a good diet yourself.
• Avoid battles over food.

Note: Low fat diets are not appropriate for infants and young children under two years of age. A diet lower in fat, especially saturated fat, is OK for older teenagers.

NHS Direct - http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Food Standards Agency - http://www.food.gov.uk