Children carrying extra weight are at risk of type 2 diabetes and other future health issues. They are also likely to struggle with low self-esteem. The routine measuring and weighing of 10 and 11-year-olds in the UK is an attempt to nudge early intervention to prevent further weight gain. While research suggests that we as parents are not great at spotting when our child is overweight, it is also likely that highlighting or commenting on a weight problem could be harmful to the child.So how do...
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Nutritional support for mood and behaviour in children
Written by listed nutritionist: Sarah Hanratty
Food sensitivities, nutrient imbalances and deficiencies can all have an impact on your child’s mood and behaviour. Nutritional approaches are often overlooked when dealing with mood and behaviour problems but they can be incredibly effective. Here are some tips for regulating behaviour and mood using nutrition. 1. Identify food sensitivities Eliminating foods your child is sensitive to from their diet can have a positive impact on behaviour and mood. This is particularly relevant when...
How to establish healthy eating habits for children
Written by listed nutritionist: Alex Gear DIP NT. CNM mBANT, CNHC
Optimum nutrition is vital for children’s development, growth and behaviour, as well as providing them with the nutrients that are required for a healthy immune system.As parents, you are their role model so it is really important that you eat well because then you will have more chance of encouraging them to follow suit.How to help your children adopt healthy eating habits:
Ensure that you eat a wide range of foods especially fruit and vegetables so that you all get a wide variety of...
Top five foods that affect child’s mood and behaviour and what to do about it
Written by listed nutritionist: Donna Valaskova, DipCNM, MBANT, CNHC Registered
Did you know that by paying a close attention to what your children eat you could improve their mood, memory and attention span at school? Most parents instinctively know what triggers the change in their children from one minute playing peacefully to screaming tantrums 20 minutes later. There's a clear relationship between food and your state of mind and when you combine strategies for eating the right foods that have a positive effect on your child’s well-being, you can plan meals that...
Healthy kids - nourishing foods for breakfast
Written by listed nutritionist: Debbie Vanderboom Dip Nutritional Advisor, Hons (BA) Pschology & Gerontology
Recently, BBC News released an article discussing the high levels of sugar children are consuming at breakfast. We now know that sugar is the catalyst for various chronic diseases including type two diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and cancer but not only that, the sugar is also effecting the teeth of children as young as two years old. So why are we giving this ingredient to our children when we know it has a profound effect on their health? I believe one of...
Eating well with juvenile arthritis
Written by listed nutritionist: Heather Lickley mBANT CNHC
Around 15,000 children in the UK live with some form of arthritis; dealing with fatigue, stiff and painful joints and the side effects of medication. Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition, so eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help relieve symptoms and reduce flare ups. Parents provide good role models. Eat together as often as possible and getting children involved in shopping or cooking can be a good way to get them interested. Sugar, white flour and processed foods are...
Cooking and nutrition tips for school leavers
Written by listed nutritionist: Natasha Alonzi - BA (Hons) DipCNM mBANT CNCH
Final year school students are now reaching the end of their school journey and will be moving on to pastures new. Some will be starting University, working or taking a gap year travelling. Some will be leaving home or not, either way it is a time when young adults are entering a world of freedom and choice. It is important to think about food choices, nutrition, health and well-being. A 2014 study on student’s eating behaviours found that there was an array of reasons why students made...
Help! My child still won't eat
Written by listed nutritionist: Dr Stephanie Fade PhD Dietitian
Most toddlers go through a fussy stage with their eating. However it’s a whole different ball game when your eight year old plus child still only eats a handful of foods. Most parents in this situation have tried a million strategies to get their child to eat but find that nothing seems to make any difference. All that happens is everyone gets more and more stressed and relationships start to be impacted. So if you’re screaming “Help my child still won’t eat!” here...
Exam success and nutrition
Written by listed nutritionist: Natasha Alonzi - BA (Hons) DipCNM mBANT CNCH
Exam time is fast approaching for many students and now is the time to start thinking about preparing the body and mind for the challenges ahead. Keeping the body fit, healthy, alert, sharp, focused, calm and happy during this time is important. This can be achieved through food and adapting some lifestyle changes. Studying and eating the right foods to help with brain function can be the difference between struggling to focus to being alert and ready to start with optimal attention span and...
How to keep your children well and avoid those winter bugs..
Written by listed nutritionist: Melody Mackeown
Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development, and dietary advice can be fundamental in helping your children to achieve their potential. Now they are back at school and autumn is kicking in, it is even more important that your child is in the best of health. This will help them avoid catching an illness and stop them bringing it home to you or missing school days. My top five dietary tips below should help to...