NOURISHING FOODS.

We should never demonise food groups. People think fats and carbs are bad and protein is good. We need education.

Without fats we would be dead, and without carbohydrates we would not be doing very well either. All food groups are important so it's crucial we understand their benefits and the importance of a well-balanced diet to our health and happiness. The difference between saturated and unsaturated fats too.

Get your children thinking about these broad categories, empowering them with knowledge. If we feed our gut bacteria, for example, it leads to boosted serotonin, the happy hormone in our brain. | TRY: Talk to your child about foods to fuel. What would you put in a race car? You wouldn't put rubbish petrol in it, you'd damage the engine. Kids shouldn't be calorie counting, but what they could do is look at their plate and what's on it - is it a rainbow of different fresh fruit and vegetables. Where is the protein? What source have the carbs come from? That is a much healthier place to start.

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ADVICE: Dr Alex

BALANCED DIET: Variety is the spice of life