Our Nutritionists have put together their top 5 tips to get your kids to eat healthy! Create new habits for the school year ahead by implementing the small changes below to build healthy habits. Here are 5 ways you can improve your kids’ health – and they might not even notice!

1. A healthy lunchbox

Go for a lunchbox with lots of compartments, this way, you can add a variety of healthy snacks without becoming ‘boring.’ Try fresh yoghurt, berries or sliced fruits like apple or pear with lemon juice to prevent browning. Grate carrots and cheese, and pack tuna or eggs for protein. Experiment with wraps, sprouted breads or rice cakes instead of sandwiches and avoid packaged foods. Small amounts of a variety of foods are more likely to eaten.

2. Add water

Water is essential for hydrating and cleansing the body. Non-essential sugary drinks like flavoured milk, soft drink and packaged juice contain few nutrients and many calories. There’s mounting evidence to show how damaging sugary drinks can be – especially for children. Water is the best drink for healthy kids. Encourage your children to make water their first choice and save sweet drinks as a treat. With mounting evidence against Fluoride, make sure your child has a bottle of filtered or spring water with them. In the summer months you can freeze the bottle of water, so it will stay cool longer.

3. Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to give kids a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients. Use natural yoghurt and add your choice of fruits. Bananas are an old favourite, while berries add colour, antioxidants and vitamins. Add superfoods like chia seeds, bee pollen, raw cacao and Manuka Honey for flavour and more nutrients.

4. Exercise

Healthy kids need exercise to grow strong. Most children are involved in some sport or activity, but even if they’re not, they need daily activity. Enjoy fun outdoor activities with your kids; walking the dog, bike riding and swimming at the beach. Encourage kids to be active around the home helping with washing, cleaning or gardening, and limit time in front of screens. These activities have benefits more than health alone.

5. Role Model

The most important thing you can do for your kids health is set a good example. Healthy kids follow healthy adults. Children eat the foods you buy and prepare for them. Healthy kids will enjoy exercise if you enjoy exercise – more if they enjoy it with you!  Many of our unhealthy eating habits are simply that – habits. They can be reversed with a little effort, especially from mum and dad! Educating your children about healthy lifestyle choices may help them avoid illnesses like obesity, heart disease and diabetes later in life. These 5 tips are a great way for you to start making a difference to your kids health.