Do you know what your children are eating? If so, do you know what affect it is having on their behaviour and long-term health?

There is so much variety out there for people to buy and enjoy. We have a huge array of exciting products to choose from and a bounteous supply of favourite foods or drink.

Children are attracted by colour, taste and texture and of course advertising when they make their choices.

They’re also very strongly guided by their peers, best friends are very influential during childhood.

Children are at a time when they are learning patterns for living which will stay with them for possibly their entire lifetimes.

People can tend to be resilient to change after this great learning period and stick to what they know.

A child’s early years are for growth and development, so they will need all the energy and nutrients required for good bone strength, general growth of body tissues, and brain development.

If you want the best looking, the strongest structure, the most reliable, the most efficient and the longest lasting house, you use the finest building materials and equip it with the most efficient boiler pump, wiring system, communications system and insulation packs available.

If you want your child to have a strong heart, strong limbs and nimble mind, you would naturally feed them with the best fuel to allow for this sort of growth and development.

There has been an increase in cases of ADHD and childhood obesity in recent years. Both of these conditions are related to the food children eat.

The 'school food trust' program has shown there can be marked changes in behaviour when children are given water or fruit juice at lunchtimes with a balanced meal which includes some complex carbohydrates and vegetables.

The children respond by being alert, not sleepy, attentive, and not fidgety and have increased powers of concentration for afternoon lessons. Food clearly has an influence on children’s behaviour.

Portion sizes can affect the way a child grows too. Large portions and a plate of food high in fat or sugar can also increase the weight of a growing child.

This can limit their sporting abilities, social networking, and long-term health outcomes.

Childhood is a time to develop good eating practices, develop their acceptance of a range of tastes and textures, introduce healthy living concepts and above all enjoy their food.

There are many great healthy, tasty recipes available for children to enjoy or even to cook for themselves.

Try the bananas with dark chocolate from last month’s article.

For some fresh ideas on what to feed children that are tasty and healthy call Helen on 07813 983 927 or email at info@foodhero.co.uk for a nutrition consultation, or visit the Nutrition stall at Farnborough Fayre on September 4.