Children and adults need a healthy balanced diet rich in goodness. Fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients which are important for your health. Fruit and vegetables are key to a healthier lifestyle ane may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
South Holland in Lincolnshire is a district which has a high level of obesity in children and one of the lowest numbers of people eating the recommended five a day, ironic in an area which is one of the biggest producers of vegetables in the country.
Children’s Links has been running the Choosing Health pilot scheme working in South Holland in partnership with other organisations to enable families, children, young people and migrant workers to access information, advice and practical food activities to enable them to make healthy choices in their diets and lifestyles.   The pilot was a great success and the project is now being rolled out to the rest of the county of Lincolnshire before going nation wide.
Why eat healthily?
It is important for your health to eat the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables. By doing so you could reduce the likelihood of having a stroke or developing heart disease or cancers in the future. Weight gain can cause strain on your organs and joints and can lead to further problems and health risks in the future.
Children are led by example. It is our duty as parents, carers and of those working with children to protect and set the correct examples. This can help to direct children towards healthier choices and decisions for a brighter and healthier future.

Five-A-Day Campaign
The Governments five-a-day campaign is helping to raise awareness in Britain of the need to tackle obesity and reduce health related risks.
Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day will provide adults and children over five with a more balanced and highly nutritious diet. It is important to give a varied diet of both fruit and vegetables. Each food provides different vitamins and minerals therefore variety is key.
Portion sizes
This information on portion sizes recommended by NHS Choices UK will help you to include a variety of healthy snacks and balanced portion control. For more information on what a portion is go to www.nhs.uk/livewell/5aday

Allergy UK
Allergy UK is the country's leading medical charity dealing with allergy.  A dedicated helpline is manned by a team of fully trained allergy advisors who can provide invaluable support and information for sufferers of allergy, intolerance and sensitivities. The website has useful advice and guidelines as well as a recipe idea section. www.allergyuk.org

The Anaphylaxis Campaign
Set up in 1994 following the deaths of four people from allergic reactions to nuts, The Anaphylaxis Campaign is the only UK charity to exclusively meet the needs of the growing numbers of people at risk from severe allergic reactions.  By providing information and support relating to foods and other triggers such as latex, drugs and insect stings, the Campaign aims to create a safe environment for all people living with allergies. www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

British Dietetic Association
The British Dietetic Association Registered Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. For more information on food and it's affect on behaviour, weight and health go to www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/index

Cooking for Children
As your baby grows into a child, it’s an incredibly exciting time and a busy one. Make your life easier and their mealtimes more fun. Browse through free homemade recipes, breakfasts, allergy free, party food, enchiladas, vegetarian food, noodle chicken, low fat recipes, fish pie, finger food, pasta recipes, pancakes and many more healthy recipes for babies and children.
Guides and advices on pregnancy, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, weaning and being a mum. www.annabelkarmel.com

The Food Commission
A national campaigning charity, which for more than 20 years has been challenging the food industry and government to do more to tackle the ill-health caused by the over-processed, high calorie products that fill our supermarket shelves. www.foodcomm.org.uk

Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency is an independent Government department set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.
Everything they do reflects the vision of safe food and healthy eating for all. For more details www.food.gov.uk

Vegetarian Society
The Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom is the oldest vegetarian organisation in the world. It is an educational charity promoting understanding and respect for vegetarian lifestyles.  They offer expert advice on nutritional issues and provide free information to individuals, companies and organisations. www.vegsoc.org