Parents often unknowingly pass on many of their habits to their children, and these can stay with them throughout their lives. That is why it is important to inculcate good habits right from the early days. Your child’s food preferences often mirror your own. According to Ayurveda, a diet comprised mostly of fresh and natural ingredients is the most nourishing and the most helpful for your digestion. Here are 7 healthy habits you must get your kids started on:

1. Never skip breakfast: It is always ideal to have your first meal within 45 minutes of waking. Breakfast is an important constituent of your day: it enhances metabolism and gives the body energy and sustenance for the rest of the day. Ensure that your kids always have a healthy breakfast consisting of milk, oats and fruits – you can also mix it up with healthy sprouted sandwiches.
2. Don’t stay inactive: Encourage your child to be more active. Spend time playing his/her favourite outdoor game. It is better not to let your child spend too much time at the computer, playing video games or watching TV as these encourage a sedentary lifestyle. Limit the time they spend on technology and get them interested in physical activity – you could enroll them in classes for their favourite sport as well.
3. Skip the soft drinks: Soft drinks and even your favourite juice brand contain a lot of sugar. With the rise of diabetes both in the adult and in the children’s population, it is better to minimize the consumption of these beverages. Instead, drink lots of water through the day and encourage your child to do so as well. This promotes good health and also keeps them hydrated. To add some flavor to water you can add chopped limes and mint or chopped fruit like peach and strawberries.
4. Educate them on food choices: The supermarket can be a very tempting place for young kids as they spot colourfully packaged candy and other unhealthy junk food. Educate your kids on the basics such as spotting which foods can be potentially harmful. For example foods with added monosodium glutamate, saturated fats and trans-fats are not conducive to health. Help them make fresher healthier choices when they pick food to buy. This will be good for them when they are older as well.
5. Maintain a positive outlook: Teach your children to look at the brighter side of things in life. Let them confide in you and tell you about their experiences. Help them understand that things can get worse from time to time, but they need to be strong and move forward. This will instill confidence and courage in them which will stay with them long after they have grown up.

Children are impressionable and full of ideas, and it is always a good idea to get them started on a healthy, active and enriching life. Try to incorporate some of these ideas into your child’s life and you will notice the transformation it is bound to have.