FED:New kits helps kids to eat healthy

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2010
FED:New kits helps kids to eat healthy

Eds: Embargoed until 1000 AEST, Tuesday August 17



SYDNEY, Aug 17 AAP - Children are being encouraged to explore a `rainbow' of fruit
and vegetables in a bid to improve the diet of Australian youngsters.

Avocado growers on Tuesday launched a national resources kit for early childhood educators
to encourage better eating among three to five-year-olds.

Eating My Colourful Vegies and Fruit is designed to equip carers with information to
help sway kids' dietary preferences and lay the foundations for healthy eating patterns.

It has a special focus on green plant foods and avocado, a rich source of dietary fibre
with little sugar.

Author and childhood educator Shelley Woodrow says it's critical children are taught
from a young age the importance of nutrition.

"Seventy per cent of food habits (are) established by three years old," she said.

The kit, which will be available in early childhood centres, recommends offering children
small bites of fruits and vegies to build up to a full serve, and creating pleasant meal-time
settings which include discussions about the food on the table.

It also suggests being imaginative by listening to songs and reading books about food,
and engaging helpers in the kitchen to peel or scrub vegetables.

For more tips included in the book, visit www.avocado.org.au

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KEYWORD: FRUIT (EMBARGOED)

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