My mother is an exceptionally good cook so was my grandmother. My Gran showed me how to bake bread and my mother taught me how to make macaroni and cheese which I may add is my piece de resistance.
After years of practice, I have become an expert at making mushroom pies and doughnuts Malaysian style with eastern spice. I see your mouth is watering already. I love cooking because it’s therapeutic and an excuse to invite friends around for a snack. My homemade doughnuts on the right did not last long.
My sons are excellent cooks both my wife and I taught them the basic food skills. Teaching your children how to cook not only helps them develop cooking skills but gives them self -esteem and confidence to be more adventurous in later life. Start them off young.
How to teach your children healthy eating habits.
Children are most likely to have a healthy lifestyle if you make it fun for them. Here are some ideas for how to help them prepare, and even cook, their own meals and choose activities they enjoy. The NHS have given great tips and guidelines for a healthier child
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- at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables (5 A DAY)
- meals based on starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, pasta, and rice – choose wholegrain varieties when possible
- some milk and dairy products – choose low-fat options where you can
- some foods that are good sources of protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, and beans and lentils
How to Educate your Children about Food
How to teach them how to take care of their Bodies.
- Take your child food shopping with you and help them prepare a meal by themselves.
- Get your children used to cooking healthy food by letting them help with these Change4Life healthy recipes.
- Explain to your child how to get the balance of their diet right using the eat well plate. It shows how much you should eat from each food group.
- Show your child how to read food labels – for example, to check the sugar and fat in snacks. Even small children can understand the traffic light coding on some food packs.
Cooking Tips
- Older children might like to use their smartphone to increase their activity levels. There are lots of great fitness apps. Map My Walk is a free app that counts your steps when going for a walk (or jog) and counts the calories used, too. Or they could use a pedometer or step counter to keep track of how many steps they’re taking.
- Look for little ways to get your child moving throughout the day, such as playing hide-and-seek and tag (for younger children), and walking or scootering to school.
- Be sensitive to your child’s needs. If they feel uncomfortable participating in sports, help them find an activity they will enjoy without feeling embarrassed, such as dancing, skipping or cycling.
- Some will prefer to take part in a team activity rather than solo pursuits. Young children (aged five to six) can make their own cookbook, choosing their favourite healthy recipes, getting tips on being a top chef, and even making a shopping list.
Make Physical Activity Fun for Children
Physical activity is an important part of achieving a healthy weight. It’s recommended children have at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
More information on how much activity children should do and what counts as the activity
- if your child is under five, read physical activity guidelines for children
- if your child is aged 5 to 18, read physical activity guidelines for children and young people
If your child isn’t used to being active, encourage them to start with what they can do and build up to 60 minutes a day.
They’re more likely to stick to their new activity levels if you let them choose the type of activity they’re comfortable with.
Courtesy and acknowledgment NHS UK
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Watch kids on a cookery show