Being a father or mother is a big responsibility. It forces you to grow up. You suddenly find yourself with a cascade of new obligations, and you want nothing more than to fulfil them.

At the forefront of these is caring for your child’s health, keeping them well, happy, and thriving, and this is a lesson best imparted by example. If you want to teach your child the importance of healthy eating and staying in shape, you need to understand these concepts yourself. More so, you want to be fit enough to run around with your little ones: to play with them in the park, teach them how to play football, and bestow on them the art of riding their first bike.

The best place to start is with a healthy diet. Correct nutrition should be the cornerstone of every fitness regime, a concept frequently expounded by experts like SuperBody.

But with winter just around the corner, and the Christmas season looming, how do you stay in shape when temptation beckons? Here are three top tips to help you:

1. Moderation is Key

The key to a healthy diet lies in understanding one very simple concept: that moderation is key.

Balanced meals are the best way to stay in shape, and every major food group should be represented on your plate. Although this means that fruit and vegetables should be high on your agenda, it also means that you don’t need to deprive yourself of your daily dose of carbohydrates.

2. Fruit is Your Friend

A second tip to bear in mind is that fruit is always to be encouraged. Although sweets and chocolate are a real weakness for many of us, fruits were the original dessert staples, and they can still be enjoyed without feeling guilty. With so many different varieties to choose from, fruit offers a great way to get your sugar fix and line your stomach without snacking.

What’s more, if your children see you guzzling strawberries, kiwis, apples and so on, they’re far more willing to give them a try themselves.

3. Don’t Deny Yourself

Perhaps the most important tenet for those who struggle to diet is the reminder that occasional lapses are okay. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you don’t need to cut out chocolate, crisps, carbs or any other weakness completely. Instead, you can simply choose to cut back a little.

If you’ve gone a week without any sugary snacks and someone breaks open the celebrations, then feel free to indulge a tad; after all, the most common cause of dietary relapses is an absolute denial of all of the things you enjoy.

Change your habits today to stay happy, healthy, and in control of what you’re eating.