Hi Karen. I'd love your advice on the best approach to help get my young kids (3 and 5) to eat a wide variety of healthy foods without sounding like a preacher or having to bribe them all the time? Thanks, Fleur.

Karen's response

Hi Fleur

The best place to start is by being a good role model and leading by example. Eat regularly with your kids and focus on family foods not separate adult and kid foods. Remember you can eat together and reinforce healthy eating messages at any time during the day. Like whipping up a jug of banana smoothies for afternoon tea and talking about the need to refuel for after-school activities.

The more you empower your kids in the process of decision making, the less likely you are to go into battle. You can comfortably give your kids some decisions about what they eat if there are a wide range of healthy foods on offer. For example, at breakfast don't just keep one cereal on the shelf but offer a range of three to four different grains. Suggest different toppings for cereal each day like sliced banana and cinnamon, canned peaches, a drizzle of honey, reduced fat yoghourt, or a handful of dried fruit. Good luck!

Regards,

Karen Inge.