Ellie Simmonds wants to encourage us to keep our children healthy
You’re working with Sainsbury’s on the new Active Kids campaign, tell us a little about this?
Active kids is a great scheme where schools and clubs can collect vouchers when they shop at Sainsbury’s and exchange them for sport and cooking equipment. It aims to enable healthy and active lifestyle for children across the country.
Why did you want to get involved with this?
As a swimmer I know how important it is to be fit, healthy and eat well. Working with Sainsbury’s on their Active Kids campaign helps me to share this message with children.
What do you think is the most important thing we teach children about leading a healthy lifestyle?
That it is what we do now that develops good habits to take into our adult lives. That it is fun as well good for us.
How young were you when you developed an interest in sports and your diet as a result of this?
I was always active from very young and tried all sorts of different sports and ballet dancing, horse riding and swimming, were the main ones. I was 8 when I started swimming training, but it wasn’t until I was 10 when it became more serious so over the next few years I slowly developed a better understanding of my diet. I always had a fairly healthy diet growing up so I didn’t need to change too much.
How do you think parents can encourage their children to get more active?
By finding time to do active things as a family, walking in park, bike riding, swimming, football, games, or anything else they enjoy as a family.
What tips do you have for young people who want to start their fitness regime, but don’t know necessarily where to begin?
Try to find someone to join in with you it makes it more fun. Make use of local facilities, parks, sports facilities, and even the garden. We had a trampoline in the garden that I used to play on lots which was great exercise. Set yourself small and achievable targets each week on diet and exercise. Above all, try as many different activities as you can to find the ones you enjoy.
How important is your nutrition for the life you lead?
Nutrition is one of the many factors that is essential to me being able to perform at my best. It is about finding the right balance of slow release energy, vitamins, nutriments, muscle repair.
What delicious and healthy recipes can you share with us?
Tuna pasta bake is one of my favourites, its quick and easy to make when I’m busy training:
Pasta (about 80g per person) , tin of tuna, tin of chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, mixed herbs and a small amount of grated cheese on top, served with a nice salad or vegetables.
One of my favourite winter recipes is stew:
Carrotts, parsnips,shallotts,stewing steak, all browned in casserole dish with a small amount of olive oil. then sprinkled with flour, after few mins slowly add water and bring to boil. add stock cube, small amount vinegar and brown sugar, salt and pepper bay leaf and small bunch of thyme(tied up) cook in oven for 1.1/2 hrs (gas 3) turn up to gas 6 for 30mins to finish
Ellie Simmonds is an ambassador for the Sainsbury’s Active Kids campaign which helps kids understand the importance of balancing healthy eating with an active lifestyle.
Tagged in children's health Ellie Simmonds