Start healthy eating at young age, says society

Parents must cultivate healthy eating habits among their children, especially between the ages of two and seven, said Nutrition Society Malaysia (NSM) president Dr Tee E Siong. “You can still mould children's habits when they are at the age of three but not when they are already 11.
“At a later age, they will not heed your advice but prefer to listen to their peers,” he said.
Dr Tee urged all parents to start equipping themselves with nutrition knowledge and inculcating healthy eating habits in their children.

The right weight: Nutrition Society of Malaysia member Nurafiqah Sukardi measuring the body mass index (BMI) of Sivali Tan Jin Sun while Tan Siew Poh and Asnita look on during the Nutrition Month Malaysia fair in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Children’s BMI will soon be recorded in the report books to fight the problem of obesity among the young. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN / The Star

“The sooner you do so, the higher your child's chances of making wise food choices in school and throughout life,” he said at a press conference after opening Nutrition Month Malaysia (NMM) 2011 at Mid Valley Exhibition Hall yesterday.
The theme is “Healthy Children, Healthier Nation Start Young”.
At the event, National Population and Family Development Board deputy director-general (policy) Dr Anjli Doshi Gandhi launched two main publications of NMM 2011 Wholesome Meals Practical Recipes for Your Growing Child book for parents and the Ceria Dengan Gaya Hidup Sihat workbook for children.
Dr Tee encouraged parents to use the publications to empower them with the knowledge to practise healthy eating and active living together with their children.
“Parents should take time off to involve the young ones in the food preparation process, setting up the tables and food selection,” he said, adding that the tasks should not be left solely to caretakers like maids.
Malaysian Dietitians' Association president Tan Yoke Hwa suggested that food sellers, including canteen operators, be educated on food preparation, hygiene and nutrition so that they would understand why it was necessary to prepare food in a healthier way.
“In a menu, for example, there might be fried mee hoon. It can be a healthier version or an oily version. We must educate them on how to cook the dish (healthily),” she said.
On April 17, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced that the body mass index of students would be listed on their report cards and unhealthy food and drinks would be banned from school can- teens.
NMM 2011, held at Hall 1, Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from 10am to 8pm, ends today. Entrance is free.
Those interested in the NSM publications can download the PDF versions from its website at http://www.nutriweb.org.my/ or call its secretariat at 03-56323301 for hard copies.