Teach children traditional games
Playground games such as hopscotch, tag or hide and seek are all good activities. Teach your kids the rules and join in yourself. Once they know the rules they can teach their friends how to play.
Login to Add StepBíonn ár leanaí ag foghlaim an chaoi le maireachtáil ó bheith ag breathnú ar na daoine fásta ina saoil. Má ithimid go maith agus má bhíonn muid i mbun aclaíochta go minic, tá gach seans ann go bhfásfaidh siad ag déanamh amhlaidh. Bain triail as roinnt de na smaointe ar an láithreán gréasáin seo chun cabhrú le do theaghlach glacadh le slí maireachtála níos sláintiúla—céim amháin ag aon am amháin!
Amanna Béilí
Siopadóireacht
Sneaiceanna
Gníomhaíocht
Am os comhair an scáileáin
01 – Bíodh bricfeasta agat
Tá go leor daoine ann nach mbacann le bricfeasta agus iad ag súil go gcabhróidh sé sin leo meáchan a chailleadh. Ach taispeánann an taighde gur dócha go n-íosfaidh siad an iomarca níos deireanaí sa lá. Cuir 10 nóiméad i leataobh duit féin agus don teaghlach ar maidin le haghaidh roinnt cothaithe riachtanaigh.
02 – Bí ag ithe le chéile
Tá sé fíor i gcás daoine óga a bhíonn ag ithe lena dteaghlaigh, idir béilí sa bhaile agus béilí in áiteanna eile, go n-ólann siad níos lú deochanna a bhfuil calraí iontu, go n-itheann siad níos mó torthaí agus glasraí, mar aon le níos lú saille.
03 – Bíodh an teaghlach ar fad páirteach
Taithí spraíúil agus foghlama a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ann nuair a ghlacann an teaghlach páirt i gcócaireacht. Is féidir le leanaí níos óige duilleoga leitíse a stróiceadh le haghaidh sailéad. Is féidir le leanaí níos sine anlann spaigití a shuaitheadh nó comhábhair a mheá.
04 – Ith níos lú feola, níos mó glasraí
Cuir níos lú feola agus níos mó glasraí i gcuraithe, stobhaigh agus casaróil d’fhonn na rogha béilí seo a dhéanamh níos cothaithí. Bealach iontach atá ann freisin chun glasraí a chur i bhfolach dóibh siúd sa teaghlach atá fuadrach.
05 – Rogha a dhéanamh i bhfábhar feola neamhbhrata
Bíonn níos mó saille agus salainn i bhfeolta ar fuaidreamh nó áránaithe ná sin atá i bhfeolta neamhpróiseáilte. Ní thógann sé mórán níos mó ama brollach sicín a ghearradh ina phíosaí agus é a bhácáil san oigheann ná roinnt cnaipíní sicín a bhácáil.
06 – Iarr sciaranna leanaí de bhéilí dhaoine fásta
Nuair nach bhfuil ar fáil do leanaí ach bia cosúil le cnaipíní sicín agus sceallóga, ná bíodh drogall ort sciar níos lú de na roghanna níos sláintiúla do dhaoine fásta a iarradh.
07 – Bíodh gloine sú torthaí agat le do bhricfeasta
Faigh ceann amháin de do sciartha torthaí agus glasraí gach lá i bhfoirm gloine beag sú torthaí neamh-mhilsithe le do bhricfeasta. Áirítear níos mó ná gloine amháin in aghaidh an lae díreach mar sciar amháin.
08 – Bianna a ghríoscadh, a ghalbhruith nó a bhácáil
In áit bia a fhriochadh, laghdaigh an méid saille trí mhodhanna cócaireachta níos sláintiúla a úsáid cosúil le gríoscadh, galbhruith agus bácáil.
09 – Bíodh sailéad agat le do lón
Cabhróidh sé leat do sprioc 5-sciar-in-aghaidh-an-lae de thorthaí agus glasraí a bhaint amach díreach trí roinnt sailéid a chur i do cheapaire. Pacáil do shailéad ar leithligh ionas nach mbeidh do cheapaire ar maos. Ansin, cuir isteach i do cheapaire é díreach sula n-itheann tú é nó bíodh sé agat ar an taobh.
10 – Bíodh milseog thorthúil agat
Bíonn torthaí milis ó nádúr agus tá siad in ann a bheith ina milseog iontach. Measc roinnt torthaí séasúracha le chéile nó díreach cuir roinnt úlla nó piorraí i scragall stáin san oigheann nuair atá an dinnéar á chocaráil.
01 – Ith sula dtéann tú ag siopadóireacht
Ní maith an smaoineamh é dul ag siopadóireacht agus ocras ort. Is mó seans go mbeidh deifir ort, go ndéanfaidh tú drochroghanna agus go gceannóidh tú sneaic mhíshláintiúil atá siúcrúil.
02 – Déan liosta
Déan liosta don tsiopadóireacht sula n-imíonn tú, agus cloígh leis agus tú ag siopadóireacht. Cabhróidh sé leat an liosta a dhéanamh má phleanálann tú na béilí don tseachtain atá amach romhat.
03 – Seiceáil do thralaí sula gcríochnóidh tú
An bhfuil bianna le stáirse, torthaí agus glasraí ann den chuid is mó? Mura bhfuil, cuir roinnt acu isteach chun a bheith níos cothroime.
04 – Ceannaigh níos mó bianna nach bhfuil próiseáilte ná atá próiseáilte
Tá níos mó saille agus salainn i mbianna próiseáilte agus tá leibhéil níos ísle de chothaithigh eile ná mar atá ag bia ina staid nádúrtha. Tóg go réidh é ar na béilí réamh-ullmhaithe agus roghnaigh sicín, turcaí, muiceoil agus mairteoil roimh fheolta próiseáilte cosúil le feoil lóin, liamhás agus bagún.
05 – Léigh na lipéid
Foghlaim an chaoi le lipéid bia a léamh, agus bain tairbhe as an eolas atá ann a chabhróidh leat roghanna sláintiúla siopadóireachta a dhéanamh. Déan comparáid idir táirgí atá cosúil lena chéile agus roghnaigh na cinn atá níos ísle ó thaobh saille, salainn agus siúcra de.
06 – Bíodh an fheoil trua
Iarr ar an mbuistéir aon saill atá le feiceáil a bhearradh. Tá na cothaithigh ar fad a bhíonn ag teastáil uait le fáil as riaranna beaga feola agus sábhálann tú airgead ar an meáchan breise!
07 – Bíonn neart glasraí stánaithe agus reoite sa bhaile agat
Áirítear gach cineál glasra i gcomhair na sprice atá againn 5 sciar sa lá a ithe – bíodh siad úr, reoite nó stánaithe. Ceannaigh roinnt acu, cuir i do chófra iad agus bain úsáid astu nuair atá soláthairtí úra íseal nó nuair atá drochbhail orthu.
08 – Bain triail as toradh nó glasra nua gach seachtain
Is í an éagsúlacht is tábhachtaí nuair atá bia sláintiúil i gceist agus is mór an spraoi é triail a bhaint as bianna nua in éineacht lena chéile. Dá mhéid bianna nua a bhlaisfidh leanaí is ea is mó seans go mbeidh aiste bia éagsúil acu.
09 – Bíodh roinnt roghanna sciobtha ar láimh agat sa bhaile
Ceannaigh roinnt bianna cothaitheacha atá stánaithe agus triomaithe do na cófraí i do chistin. Is féidir leat béile sláintiúil a ullmhú i nóiméid le hiasc stánaithe agus trátaí, pasta agus luibheanna triomaithe. Fiú pónairí bácáilte ar thósta – an-sciobtha go deo agus lán le próitéin!
10 – Pleanáil do sneaiceanna
Bíodh rogha áirithe ag do leanaí maidir leis na sneaiceanna a bheidh acu. Má aontaíonn tú leis seo, beidh sé níos éasca cloí leis an bplean i rith na seachtaine.
01 – Bíodh roinnt torthaí agat ag am baile
Bíonn an-ocras orainn go minic i ndiaidh na scoile nó na hoibre, agus tá sé chomh éasca brioscáin nó seacláid a cheannach. Bain triail as torthaí triomaithe ina n-áit – is féidir leat go leor pacaí a cheannach i méideanna áisiúla – nó torthaí úra d’fhonn an bhearna a líonadh.
02 – Faigh buidéal d’uisce
Ní mór dúinn a bheith ag ól go rialta, bíodh muid ag an scoil, ag an obair nó i mbun súgartha. Má tá buidéal uisce ar láimh agat, cuirfidh sé i gcuimhne duit agus don teaghlach a bheith ag ól go rialta.
03 – Bricfeasta ar feadh an lae
Tá gránach neamh-mhilsithe le bainne ina sneaic ar féidir leis an teaghlach ar fad a ullmhú iad féin agus taitneamh a bhaint as ag am ar bith. Cuir torthaí leis, cosúil le bananaí nó caora.
04 – An bhfuil seacláid ag teastáil uait?
Bain triail as seacláid the nó an teaghlach atá tugtha do sheacláid, cén fáth nach mbainfeá triail as muga seacláide te bainniúla tar éis na scoile nó ag amanna sneaiceanna eile. Úsáid bainne beagmhéathrais nó leathbhearrtha d’fhonn cur go mór leis an gcailciam.
05 – Faigh réigh leis na brioscáin agus roghnaigh grán rósta atá déanta sa bhaile ina áit
Bíonn grán rósta íseal i dtéarmaí saille de agus bíonn snáithín ann a chuirfidh le díleá sláintiúil. Ní thógann sé ach cúpla nóiméad do ghrán rósta féin a ullmhú, agus is féidir leat níos lú salainn a chur leis. Céard atá níos éasca ná sin?
06 – Roghnaigh ábhar coganta níos sláintiúla
Tabhair boscaí beaga rísíní agus torthaí triomaithe eile, cosúil le dátaí, don teaghlach in áit milseáin choganta. Bíonn níos lú saille i mbarraí gránaigh atá le cogaint ná mar atá iontu sin atá brioscach.
07 – Ceannaigh barraí seacláide atá ar mhéid sneaice
Tá sciar bheag seacláide in ann ár mianta a shásamh. Go hiondúil ní bhíonn barraí atá ar mhéid sneaice ar fáil ach amháin mar chuid de phaca níos mó, mar sin díreach ceannaigh an méid atá uait don tseachtain agus coinnigh iad sábháilte ó leanaí óga.
08 – Bíodh díreach ceann amháin agat
Ná bíodh ach sneaic mhíshláintiúil amháin agat in aghaidh an lae – paca beag brioscáin mar shampla, nó barra seacláide ar mhéid sneaice tar éis an dinnéir.
09 – Cuir bainne nó uisce in áit deochanna siúcrúla Is iad bainne agus uisce is sláintiúla.
Má ólann tú sú, roghnaigh sú atá déanta as torthaí agus ní deochanna sú. Bíonn go leor siúcra breise acu seo agus ní bhíonn mórán torthaí iontu. Seachain meath fiacla trí bheith ag ól sú le béilí.
10 – Bí cruthaitheach maidir le luaíochtaí do do leanaí
Tabhair féirín do do leanaí i bhfoirm leabhair grinn nó leabhair in áit milseán nó brioscán. I measc na bhféiríní eile a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ann, áirítear turas ag an bpáirc nó an linn snámha nó díreach roinnt ama i mbun súgartha leat.
01 Faigh rothar
Tá rothaíocht níos fearr do do chroí fiú ná bheith ag siúl, mar sin faigh rothar duit féin agus bain úsáid as chun dul ag an obair, ag na siopaí nó díreach chun taitneamh a bhaint as an domhan lasmuigh.
02 Bí ag feadaíl agus tú i mbun oibre
Bíodh tuilleadh gluaiseachta fút agus tú ag mopáil trí roinnt ceol bríomhar a chur air agus tú i mbun oibre. Críochnóidh tú i bhfad níos luaithe freisin!
03 Dírigh ar spraoi
Taispeáin do do leanaí an chaoi le cluichí traidisiúnta a imirt, .i. folach bíog, ruaig reatha, fánaí rua, tag agus cleas na bacóide. Bainfidh sibh uile spraoi as.
04 Éirigh ón tolg
Bí i d’eiseamláir do do leanaí – má fheiceann siad go mbíonn tú gníomhach agus go mbaineann tú taitneamh as, tá níos mó seans ann go múnlóidh siad a n-iompar féin ort.
05 Téigh amach ag siúl leis an teaghlach
In áit suí síos os comhair na teilifíse i ndiaidh an dinnéir, bíodh siúlóid tráthnóna mar chuid den ghnáthamh teaghlaigh atá agaibh. Cabhróidh sé le gach duine a mbia a dhílea agus scíth a ligint roimh am codlata.
06 Déan cluiche as
Déan tascanna gníomhacha sa bhaile le chéile, cosúil le húsáid an fholúsghlantóra, scuabadh nó duilleoga a rácáil. Má tá féith na hiomaíochta ag do leanaí, bíodh rás agaibh d’fhonn fáil amach cé agaibh is túisce a bheidh réidh lena dtascanna.
07 Faigh madra
Taispeánann taighde go mbíonn saol níos faide ag úinéirí madra*, agus is amhlaidh atá mar gheall ar a bheith ag ‘siúl leis an madra’ go rialta agus a bheith ag caitheamh bataí sa pháirc.
08 Bí ag garraíodóireacht
Má tá gairdín agat, cuir paiste talún i leataobh do do leanbh agus lig dóibh a ngairdín féin a dhearadh agus a phlandáil. Beidh tuilleadh gníomhaíochta i gceist i rith an lae le tóchailt agus baint fiailí mar aon le huisce a chur ar na plandaí.
09 Bí ag damhsa ar oíche Dé Sathairn
Cas roinnt amhrán agus tabhair deis don teaghlach a bheith ag damhsa leo. Ceannaigh sraith soilse dioscó atá saor agus tabhair seans do gach duine a bheith ina DJ.
10 Bí ag taiscéaladh
Ceannaigh mapa den cheantar áitiúil agus téigh amach ag rothaíocht nó ag siúl le chéile mar theaghlach ag an deireadh seachtaine. Bíodh sé níos spéisiúla trí áit nua a roghnú le haghaidh a taiscéalta i gcónaí.
01 – Déan pleanáil do 2 uair os comhair an scáileáin in aghaidh an lae
Is féidir andúil a bheith ag daoine sa teilifís agus i gcluichí ríomhaire, mar sin cuir teorainn 2 uair ar an méid ama a chaitheann do leanaí os comhair an scáileáin in aghaidh an lae.
02 – Ná bíodh scáileáin sna seomraí leapa
Ná cuir teilifís ná ríomhaire i seomra leapa do linbh. Faigheann leanaí a bhfuil scáileáin ina seomraí níos lú aclaíochta, bíonn caidrimh níos lú acu lena dteaghlaigh, bíonn aiste bia níos measa acu agus faigheann siad níos lú codlata.
03 – Tabhair dea-shampla
Déanfaidh do leanaí mar a dhéanann tú féin, mar sin déan measúnú ar na gnáthaimh atá agat féin ó thaobh na teilifíse de, agus má theastaíonn sé, laghdaigh an méid ama a chaitheann tú os comhair an scáileáin freisin.
04 – Tabhair níos lú spáis don teilifís
Smaoinigh ar na rudaí taitneamhacha a thaitneodh níos fearr le do theaghlach in áit a bheith ina suí ar an tolg. Céard faoi shiúlóid teaghlaigh i ndiaidh an dinnéir in áit an teilifís a chasadh air? Nó an síntiús don chábla nó don sataillít a chur ar ceal agus an t-airgead a chur i dtreo saoire speisialta ina áit?
05 – Cas as é mura bhfuil éinne ag breathnú air
Ná bíodh an teilifís air sa chúlra – mura bhfuil éinne ag breathnú air, cas as é.
06 – Faigh treoir teilifíse
Bíodh an nós agat d’fhéachaint teilifíse a phleanáil. Feicfidh tú go mbeidh sé níos éasca smacht a fháil agus monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an méid ama atá do theaghlach ag caitheamh os comhair na teilifíse.
07 – Ná bí ag ithe sneaiceanna os comhair na teilifíse
Bíonn go leor daoine ag ithe leo go neamhchúiseach nuair a bhíonn a n-aird ar an teilifís agus ní thugann siad faoi deara nuair atá siad lán. Beidh sé níos fearr do do leanaí mura mbeidh an gnáthamh seo acu.
08 – Bíodh amanna béilí saor ón teilifís
Cas as an teilifís i rith amanna béilí – níos fearr fós, ná bíodh teilifís sa chistin nó sa seomra ite. Bíonn béilí teaghlaigh iontach do leanaí, agus cailltear an chuid is mó de na tairbhí má tá comhráití maithe báite ag an teilifís.
09 – Cuir deireadh le teilifís san iarnóin
Bíodh do leanaí amuigh faoin aer le linn uaireanta an lae. Soláthraíonn solas na gréine vitimíní atá ag teastáil uathu chun go bhfásfaidh siad go sláintiúil, agus coinníonn súgradh taobh amuigh gníomhach iad.
10 – Bíodh am teilifíse ina am don teaghlach
In áit teilifís a cheannach do gach duine sa teaghlach – aimsigh cláir a bhfuil spéis ag an teaghlach ar fad iontu.
Playground games such as hopscotch, tag or hide and seek are all good activities. Teach your kids the rules and join in yourself. Once they know the rules they can teach their friends how to play.
Login to Add StepJust because the sun has gone it doesn't mean you can't go to the beach. Wrap up well and try an activity like flying a kite.
Login to Add StepCheck out your local community or leisure centre for winter classes and activities such as aerobics, badminton, table tennis, basketball, dancing, martial arts, cub scouts or youth clubs.
Login to Add StepBe a role model for your children - if they see you being active and enjoying it they will be more likely to model your behaviour.
Login to Add StepHousework has to be done whatever the weather. Encourage your kids to help with jobs around the house, such as washing the floor or hoovering. Turn the jobs into a competition to encourage them to work up a sweat.
Login to Add StepSwimming is a great activity for the whole family at all times of year. You might not be setting Olympic records but it will still help you and your children towards your daily amount.
Login to Add StepDo active jobs together at home such as hoovering, sweeping, or raking the leaves. If your children have a competitive streak, have a race to see who can get finished their jobs first.
Login to Add StepTurn on some tunes and let the whole family bop 'till they drop. Invest in a cheap set of disco lights and take turns at being DJ.
Login to Add StepBuy a local map and go for family cycles or walks every weekend. Make it more interesting by choosing somewhere new to explore every time.
Login to Add StepTake a good look at your daily routine, and find all the opportunities you're missing to take the active option. Take the stairs rather than the escalator. If you can, walk to the shops rather than driving or at least park a bit further away and walk the rest.
Login to Add StepDo active jobs together at home such as hoovering, sweeping, or raking the leaves. If your children have a competitive streak, have a race to see who can get finished their jobs first.
Login to Add StepHousework has to be done whatever the weather. Encourage your kids to help with jobs around the house, such as washing the floor or hoovering. Turn the jobs into a competition to encourage them to work up a sweat.
Login to Add StepSwimming is a great activity for the whole family at all times of year. You might not be setting Olympic records but it will still help you and your children towards your daily amount.
Login to Add StepBe a role model for your children - if they see you being active and enjoying it they will be more likely to model your behaviour.
Login to Add StepInstead of flopping in front of the TV after dinner, build an after-dinner walk into your family routine. It will help everyone digest their food and wind down before bedtime.
Login to Add StepThere are lots of walks all around the country for people of all ages, so get to know routes that are close to you. See here for more information. Make sure you have the right clothes and you won't notice the weather.
Login to Add StepJust because the sun has gone it doesn't mean you can't go to the beach. Wrap up well and try an activity like flying a kite.
Login to Add StepTeach your children how to play traditional games, such as hide and seek, tip the can, red rover, tag and hopscotch. You'll all have fun! Find out how to play here
Login to Add StepIf you have a garden, set aside a patch for your child and let them design and plant their own garden. Digging, weeding and watering all help build in extra activity throughout the day.
Login to Add StepLearn to read food labels, and take advantage of information that will help you make healthy shopping choices. Compare like for like products and choose those that are lower in fat, salt and sugar.
Login to Add StepAll types of vegetables count towards our 5-a-day - fresh, frozen and canned. Get some for your cupboard to use when fresh supplies are low or worse for wear.
Login to Add StepIs it mostly filled with starchy foods, fruit and vegetables? If not restore some balance by adding some.
Login to Add StepIt's never a good idea to shop on an empty stomach. You're more likely to rush things, make poor choices and go for a quick sugar fix by picking up an unhealthy snack.
Login to Add StepVariety is the name of the game with healthy eating and it's great fun trying out new foods together. The more new foods that children are introduced to the more likely they are to have a varied diet.
Login to Add StepLet your children have some choice in what their snack foods are. If you agree this with them it will be easier to stick to the plan during the week.
Login to Add StepWrite a shopping list before you go, then stick to it as you shop. Planning your meals for the coming week will help you put the list together.
Login to Add StepGet some canned and dried nutritious foods for your kitchen cupboard. You can rustle up a healthy meal in minutes with tinned fish and tomatoes, pasta and dried herbs. Or baked beans on toast - super fast and protein packed!
Login to Add StepProcessed foods are higher in fat and salt and lower in other nutrients than food in its natural state. Go easy on the ready meals and choose chicken, turkey, pork and beef more often than processed meats such as luncheon meat, ham and bacon.
Login to Add StepAsk the butcher to trim off any visible fat. Small servings of lean meat deliver all the nutrients you need and you save money on the extra weight!
Login to Add StepPorridge has been a staple for years on the island of Ireland and for good reason. It's tasty, cheap, can be cooked in 3 minutes in the microwave and is full of vitamins and minerals. Use some fruit to sweeten it up instead of sugar or honey.
Login to Add StepRemember to always include yoghurt, milk or cheese in lunchboxes. They're really important for growing bones, and are a great way to boost your children's energy levels throughout the day. Dairy foods aren't just for children - make sure you're getting about three portions each day too.
Login to Add StepIt's a fact that young people who eat with their families consume fewer higher calorie drinks, more fruit and vegetables, and less fat both at home and in meals away from the home.
Login to Add StepMany people skip breakfast hoping that it will help them lose weight. But research shows they're more likely to overeat later in the day. Give you and the family 10 extra minutes in the morning for some essential nutrition.
Login to Add StepJust putting some salad in your sandwich helps you to hit your 5-a-day fruit and veg target. Prevent sogginess by packing your salad separately. Then either add it to your sandwich just before you eat it or have a side salad.
Login to Add StepWhether you're dining out or cooking up an Italian storm in the kitchen, try having a tomato or vegetable-based sauce with your pasta. As well as being lower in fat than the creamy or cheesy sauces, they make the dish more colourful and you pack in more essential nutrients.
Login to Add StepAdding butter, margarine or dairy spread to our bread is something we tend to do automatically. But it's worth asking yourself whether you really need the spread? If you're adding mayonnaise, relish or other sauces to a sandwich, then you probably don't. Opt for one or the other, and go for lower-fat spreads like tomato relish when available.
Login to Add StepStock up on peaches, pears, and other fruits tinned in their own juice - they make a great addition to porridge, muesli and breakfast cereals.
Login to Add StepThe more foods your child is exposed to at an early age, the more balanced his or her diet will be.
Login to Add StepFruit is naturally sweet and makes a great dessert. Mix some seasonal fruits together or pop some apple or pear in tin foil into the oven while dinner is cooking.
Login to Add StepNuts provide a healthy snack for children and there are lots of varieties that children can try. There are no preparation requirements and they provide a nutritional, filling snack for all the family. (Note: whole nuts should not be given to children under 5 years of age.)
Login to Add StepMilk and water are healthiest. If you drink juice, choose real fruit juice not juice drinks. These have lots of added sugar and very little real fruit. Avoid tooth decay by drinking juice with meals and for young children ideally dilute one part juice to 10 parts water.
Login to Add StepFor the whole family, why not try a mug of cold or warm milk after school or other snack times. Use low fat or semi-skimmed milk for a fabulous calcium boost.
Login to Add StepLimit unhealthy treats to a few times each week and make sure you give them after meals rather than on their own between meals. You could reduce the size to a small packet of crisps or a "fun size" chocolate bar.
Login to Add StepWe're often starving after school or work, and it's so easy to pick up some crisps or chocolate. Try fresh fruit instead - you can buy different types for everyday to add lots of variety. You can also chop fruit and vegetables into pieces and store in a plastic bag or container to have on the go.
Login to Add StepReward your children with a comic or book instead of sweets or crisps. Other rewards could include an outing to the park or swimming pool or just some time playing with you.
Login to Add StepUnsweetened cereal with milk is a snack the whole family can prepare themselves and enjoy anytime. Experiment by adding fruit, like bananas or berries.
Login to Add StepPopcorn is low in fat and it contains fibre for healthy digestion. Popping your own takes only a couple of minutes, and you can omit salt. What could be easier?
Login to Add StepWholemeal scone pieces topped lightly with spread makes a great simple snack for the whole family. Why not top with sliced banana or cheese.
Login to Add StepWhether we are at school, work or play we need to drink regularly. Having a water bottle handy will help remind you and the family to drink regularly.
Login to Add StepGet in the habit of planning your TV viewing. You'll find it easier to take control and monitor how much time your family is spending in front of the TV.
Login to Add StepDon't put a TV or computer in your child's bedroom. Children with screens in their rooms get less exercise, interact less with their families, have poorer diets and get less sleep.
Login to Add StepDon't keep the TV on in the background - if no one's watching, turn it off.
Login to Add StepTurn off the TV during mealtimes - better still, don't have a TV in the kitchen or dining area.
Login to Add StepInstead of buying a set for each member of the family - find programmes that the whole family likes to watch.
Login to Add StepThink of fun things that your family will prefer to do instead of flopping on the sofa. How about a family walk after dinner instead of turning on the TV? Or cancelling the cable or satellite subscription and putting the money towards a special holiday instead?
Login to Add StepGet your children outdoors during daylight hours. Sunshine provides vitamins they need to grow healthily, and playing outside keeps them active.
Login to Add StepMost people go into munching autopilot when they're distracted by the TV and don't realise when they're full. It's better if your children don't get into this habit.
Login to Add StepYour children will do as you do, so take stock of your own viewing habits and, if you need to, cut down on your own screen time too.
Login to Add StepTV viewing and computer games can be addictive, so limit your children's screen time to 2 hours a day.
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