Few people would dispute the value of a healthy lifestyle. Of raising our children to be active, eat nutritious food and take good care of their body. However when it comes to sponsorship and children's sport we seem to be willing to 'turn a blind eye' and compromise these basics.

My boys love football. My older son plays each weekend and his dad coaches his team. I value the enjoyment he gets from exercising and working together with other boys and the connection he has with his father through sport. Our local club is family and community focused and has a strong commitment to children's enjoyment of sport. However the bigger picture is somewhat different.

Junior Rugby League in Brisbane is sponsored in 2010 by McDonalds Restaurants. Parents of players receive a key tag entitling them to ongoing upgrades at McCafe and children receive Player of the Week encouragement awards for food. Sideline touch judges are dressed in clothing branded with the golden arches and wave a matching flag.

As a parent I am deeply concerned about the contradictory message this gives our children and the sporting organisations willingness to sell out our children's health and wellbeing in their chase for money. Surely in a time where we are seeing growing rates of childhood obesity and record levels of inactivity, we can not condone such irresponsible marketing. Companies like McDonalds care little about our children's health and wellbeing but rather jump at the opportunity to promote their brand to a captive audience.

Tobacco sponsorship and advertising in sport is banned in this country however, we don't afford our children the same protection. Sporting clubs need financial support but not at the detriment of our children's health. It is time to get creative and take responsibility as a community of decision makers, clubs and parents to ensure that our children are not exposed to unhealthy and confusing messages while enjoying sport.

Warm wishes
Susan
Editor

www.parentsjury.org.au is a forum for parents to voice their views and to collectively advocate for the improvement of children's food and physical activity environments. Jointly coordinated and administered by Cancer Council Australia, Diabetes Australia Vic, QLD and WA, the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society, VicHealth and YMCA Victoria, the Parents Jury's website provides parents with information, advocacy suggestions and resources to enable them to become champions on behalf of their own children and to campaign on a local level for improved food and physical activity environments.

Recipes BY LISA GUY

Give your kids a daily dose of antioxidants

Bursting with colour and flavour, berries not only taste delicious they are also considered a superfood. Berries contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruit and vegetables. The vibrant red, blue and purple colour in berries signifies the presence of an important group of antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants protect cells in the body by fighting free radial damage and have a protective effect against cancer, heart disease and many other diseases.

Brighten up your children's meals by adding berries to their breakfast cereal, smoothies, muffins or yoghurt. Blueberry pancakes are always a favourite with kids.

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which is needed for healthy immune function and to prevent your kids from getting colds and flu.

Mixed Berry & almond wholemeal muffins

Raspberry and Yoghurt Ice Creams

or

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Win a copy of Lisa Guy's new book MY GOODNESS

This book offers a comprehensive look at children and health as well as heaps of tasty recipes that children will really eat!

Drawing on her love of cooking and for wholesome food, together with her nutrition background, Lisa makes mealtimes hassle-free for parents with over 130 of her healthy, easy to prepare recipes.

MY GOODNESS also includes chapters on food allergies and intolerances, as well as suggestions for children with special needs including ADHD. Her recipes can also be changed to gluten free, lactose free or vegetarian forms and are also diabetic friendly. For parents looking to improve their children's school lunchboxes, Lisa provides endless healthy and yummy options that will inspire and delight.

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Winner: The lucky winner of last months ERGO competition is Nina Francis! Congratulations Nina!We hope you and your baby enjoy your new ERGO carrier.

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Forum News
Forum life continues to be busy with people involved in some great new discussions. Check out these interesting new threads at www.forum.naturalparenting.com.au:

March Crappy Craft Challenge
Members are making salt dough creations with their kids, and posting photos of the results. The winner will be voted on at the end of March, with the prize being the highly coveted title of Crappy Craft Queen and choice of the activity for the April Crappy Craft Challenge!

US Government warnings on unsafe baby slings
The US CPSC has issued a warning on particular types of baby slings, and correct positioning in slings to ensure baby can breathe easily.

Money Saving Cooking from Scratch - meal ideas l
Great recipes and tips for healthy, inexpensive family meals

Natural Pain Relief. T.E.N.S???
Discussion of TENS machines for natural pain relief during labour - did it work for you?

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(2) Introducing our New FOODIE!
We are excited to welcome aboard our New Foodie, Lisa Guy. Lisa is an experienced naturopath and nutritionist who runs a successful practice in Sydney called 'Art of Healing'.

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She is the author of MY GOODNESS and will be our regular columnist in the Natural Family monthly newsletters. Her recipes are easy and healthy and best of all kids love them!
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Our Foodie - Lisa Guy