Just the other day I was reading an article in the telegraph where the Ambulance Service has been forced to introduce super sized ambulances......

                Apparently the work; load for these heavy duty ambulances

               Recent studies estimate 67 percent of Australian men and 52 percent of Women aged 25 years and over are overweight or obese.

               The weight epidemic has also extended to the school playground with NSW health estimating that the number of children overweight or obese has more than doubled.....

                Fat in our diet is essential for good health as it provides the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, these protect the body’s internal organs and provide energy.....

                Fat is only required in small amounts. Large amounts can cause harm by providing more energy than required, resulting in overweight and obesity.....

                A high fat consumption is also contributing to other disorders including heart disease and some types of cancers.....

                It is important that we teach our children the right way......

         Limit sit around time;

n      TV

n      Computer

n      Games (play station)

Encourage active time;

n      Sports

n      Playing outside

n      Going to the park, going for walks

n      bike riding

Encourage healthy eating habits;

n      Choose poultry, fish and lean red meats when shopping

n      When buying lean cuts of meat still trim off excess fat

n      Use baking, grilling, steaming to cook foods

n      Discard fat drippings

n      Buy low fat cheeses eg; cottage, ricotta and low fat yoghurts

n      Eat more cereals, fruit and vegetables

n      Spread butter or margarine very thinly

Resist;

n      Fried foods, high fat take away foods, pastries, biscuits, cakes and chocolate

n      High fat salad dressings, gravies and cream sauces

n      Full cream milk, high fat cheeses and ice cream

n      Salami types meats

               It is important to remember that children under 5 yrs should have whole milk.

              Remember that it all begins by setting a good example for our children.

               Hope this helps...........