The Programme
The MEND Programme is a fun, effective and practical lifestyle
solution focused on families with overweight or obese children.
The key to its success is an integrated approach, combining
all of the elements known to both treat obesity effectively and
ensure long lasting results.
Click here for an introduction to the MEND Programme.
MEND stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!, each element involving the following:
Mind
Simple but effective behavioural change techniques designed to help parents improve their children's overall diet and activity patterns.
Sessions include:
- SMART goals and rewards to help your child reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Star charts to motivate children and allow parents to keep track of their progress
- Changing family attitudes towards healthy eating and physical activity
- Practical ways to remove unhealthy food triggers
- Understanding the difference between hunger and cravings and what to do about them
- Knowing how to curb comfort eating
- Learning to be a healthy role model
Exercise
MEND's specially adapted exercise programme has been created for kids who do not naturally like to exercise.
All activities are based on popular children's games, music and sport. The intention to increase awareness of exercise and to show that not all exercise is boring or unpleasant. Practically we work to increase cardiovascular output levels, improve muscular strength and sharpen co-ordination.
Activities include land-based games (e.g. How many Limbs? Football League, Crazy Cards) and water-based games (e.g. Under the Sea, Treasure Hunt).
Nutrition
Stimulating group-based activities and lessons combine basic healthy nutrition guidelines, such as Balance of Good Health, Five Fruit and Vegetables portions a day, and choosing MEND Friendly Foods.
Families learn how to enjoy the benefits of eating healthier foods - together as a team!
Sessions include:
- Understanding the importance of choosing nutritious food, from wholegrain breads and cereals, low-fat dairy, and MEND Friendly foods
- Learning how to make healthy food choices at a glance, including reading and interpreting food labels and how not to be fooled by deceptive packaging
- Understanding the benefits of eating together as a family
- Discovering ways to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fats
- Knowing how to recognise the many different types of sugars and spot them in ingredient lists
- A supermarket tour, providing the opportunity to practice your new skills with guidance from a local supermarket store food advisor and MEND trainer
- Learning novel ways to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables
- Making healthy school dinner choices and packed lunches
- Food demonstrations and recipe and taste testing
- Portion control and healthy meal plans
- Preparing for eating out and birthday parties
Do it!
- Getting involved
- Participating in weekly activities
- Family involvement
- Being part of a group
- Committing to change
- Being positive