Simple food tricks to slash the calories in your kids' meals
With obesity rates on the rise, scientists report one in four children are dieting. But there is a simpler way to go, by using some easy food swaps.
Pediatric dietitian Lucy Upton begins with a recommendation for no-sugar squash instead of fizzy drinks, impressing the importance of a balanced diet for kids over a restrictive one.
A natural yoghurt with fruit is only 120 calories whereas a chocolate yoghurt is 211, offering a chance for the five-a-day target to be hit while keeping calories down.
A big chocolate bar can be swapped for something fun-size, taking the average calorie count from 240 to just 95.
Popular cake loaf bars clock in at around 139 calories, whereas a malt loaf bar has only 90. Filling, sweet and treat-sized, they make a great alternative.
A bowl of popcorn might sound indulgent but the snack only contains 44 calories compared to the 130 found in a serving of crisps.
A British favourite, the fish and chip takeaway contains 1,100 calories. Homemade fish fingers have only 362. Homemade versions of many takeaway classics can help with a balanced diet.