There are many reasons why a child gains weight, usually a combination of eating the wrong types of food and not getting enough exercise. Some children are fussy eaters, refusing to eat a varied diet. When parents are busy running a home and working to support the family, time can be extremely short and the last thing you feel like after a day at work is peeling and chopping vegetables, which is where the local takeaway comes in handy. However, too many takeaway dinners and evenings sat in front of a computer or television can lead to weight gain.

As many people are trying to economise, with job losses being rife, the cost of healthy options can make it difficult to plan healthy meals all of the time. Unfortunately, junk food is often the cheapest, so you have to take extra care when planning packed lunches and meals at home. There are some ways to cut costs when planning meals, which will not only save money but ensure you buy plenty of fresh, nutritious ingredients.

If you live close to a farm shop or market which sells home grown produce, take advantage and buy your fruit and vegetables at a much lower price than at the supermarkets, with the produce staying fresh for much longer. Children often enjoy going along and helping you select the vegetables, which can help them to become involved in mealtimes. Try to eat meat free meals a couple of times each week, which will cut the cost of your food bill and reduce fat intake.

Vary the food used for packed lunches and meals so that your child doesn’t become bored. Let them choose their food for the next day, and even let them prepare some food. Pitta bread is a healthy alternative to bread, which can be filled with chicken, salad and veggies. Making shapes out of the bread used for sandwiches will encourage younger children to eat. Serve a salad with wholemeal pasta or rice as an alternative to sandwiches.

Putting food in serving dishes and setting it out on the dining table can encourage children to eat a variety of food. Once a child can see everyone else helping themselves and praising the food, they will be naturally curious and be tempted to try something different. A variety of healthy foods on the table can be more tempting than a set meal, which your child feels that he has to eat.

Restricting junk food and takeaways will be part of your child’s diet plan, but offering plenty of tasty alternatives will make it easier for them to keep to a healthy diet. There are many ways to make a child’s diet healthy whilst sticking to a budget, such as planning your meals and only buying what you need, without the sugary treats. Letting your child help with preparation of food, even if it isn’t perfect, will help them to gain control of what they eat, whilst being supervised by you. Extra activity and healthy food will benefit all the family, keeping everyone at a healthy weight.