HEALTHY eating need not be boring.
So says a project aimed at getting families to eat healthier. Fit Family Food has been extended, producing a second show that is now being broadcast on Seven, Virgin Media Digital Channel 879.
The show takes viewers on a journey, from buying the food in local markets to preparing and eating it.
The recipes are printed on cards available to order from the Specialist Health Promotion Service as the “Tasty Teatimes” collection.
Jenny Fox, food and nutrition programme coordinator in the Specialist Health Promotion team, said the project targeted families as part of the Change4Life movement.
“It aims to get people cooking,” she said. “We know people may find it difficult to put healthier eating into practice until they have confidence in their practical skills and feel inspired to do it. We hope that, when people see the programmes, they might be encouraged to have a go themselves.
“The project also compliments work with children and families that is ongoing in Children’s Centres and Schools.
“These opportunities enable people to develop confidence in their cooking abilities, and to learn that cooking a satisfying and healthy meal can be easy, cheap and enjoyable.”
Jenny said a second film had been produced after positive feedback following a first.
“People were saying they wanted the recipes but, watching them in somewhere like a doctors’ waiting room, they did not have a chance to write them down.
“That is when we came up with the idea of the recipe cards. This will show people that healthy eating is not just about eating vegetables. It is about balance. As well as recipes for chicken jalfrezi and fish cakes, we have included ideas for sweets such as an apple cake.
“We’re also working in healthy eating messages and working with the Change4Life programme.”
Portfolio holder for healthier communities and adult social care, Councilor Steve Hocknell, said: “As a council, one of our main aims and priorities over the next few years is to improve the health and well-being of our residents.
“We are continually striving to find new and innovative ways of showing people that being healthy does not need to be difficult or boring. It is not necessarily about giving up foods you love but simply having them in moderation.
“This project is brilliant as it inspires people; it makes the process simple and brings it home for people.”
The nine recipes in the Fit Family Food project are for chicken jalfrezi, lentil bolognese, apple cake, fish pie, Spanish omelette, fish cakes, mackerel pate, fruit salad and banana ice cream.