• It is said that example is the best teacher. So, are you eating healthy? Unless you do so, how can you convince your kids? Learn to enjoy healthy eating and you will find yourself becoming a role model to your kids. You will have the confidence to guide them right.
• Try and avoid processed sugar in the house. Sugar gives your kids an emotional high, is the cause of disagreeable behaviour and makes them crave for more sugar. That is why you should never offer sweets as a reward / bribe.
• These days, water is hardly considered a thirst quencher. Children demand a calorie-laden cola or a canned juice whenever they are thirsty. If they can be made to take water instead, it will leave enough room for a wholesome meal
• Whole-grain breads should take the place of ordinary white bread which is full of empty calories. Use sprouted grains, go for brown rice and whole wheat pasta instead of processed ones. Develop a taste for healthy foods in your child.
• Do not allow random snacking as it kills the appetite. When they are no longer hungry, the good food you dish up for them will seem unappetising and boring.
• Get them to eat plenty of fresh veggies and fruits. Make attractive vegetable dishes that they can eat - when they are hungry. Dessert is healthy when it is in the form of fresh fruit. They can develop a taste for fruit only when they don't consume sugared items.
• Always offer your kids healthy alternatives. Do not offer icecream along with, say, an apple or a banana. The automatic choice will be the icecream, not the healthy alternative.

It will do you a world of good to remember that while you can go out and buy a new car / house, you have but one body for your entire life - so take good care of it and live longer, healthier and feel younger even as you grow older!

A few simple ground rules you have to follow for this:

• Try and reduce your fat intake per day to under 30%
• Include plenty of fibre in your diet. Fibre is the magic key word of this century. You get this in the form of whole grains, beans and legumes an fresh fruits and vegetables
• Are you drinking enough pure water? Did you know that water is an essential nutrient? Regular consumption of just 8 glasses a day will help you in digestion and also to get rid of toxins.
• Taking a brisk daily walk is more beneficial than any strenuous high impact aerobics. Include a bit of light weight training and you can ensure that your bones will remain strong.
• See that you increase the intake of essential nutrients, a certain amount of fatty acids and phytonutrients in your diet. These will build up your resistance, keep you looking young and slow down the ageing process.
• Avoid, or at least cut down on refined sugar. Did you know that sugar causes highs and lows and keeps you fluctuating between depression and irritability?
• Limit your salt intake. Excess salt will only throw your minerals off-balance, cause uncomfortable water retention and even lead to high blood pressure. Start cutting down on salt.
• Are you a smoker? Are you the type who can't exist without caffeine or alcohol? Well, what can we say except that it is slow poisoning and should be avoided altogether?
• Maintain an optimum weight and avoid yo-yo weight loss programs which will only create a strain on the body.
• Are you the type to get stressed out? You got to create a balanced life. A positive outlook and a happy attitude will go a long way. You are as happy as your mind allows you to be.

So follow these simple rules and evolve as a better person and the right role model for your kids. This way, you will have the courage of conviction and be able to guide your children on the right path to healthy, wholesome eating habits which will benefit them throughout their lives.

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