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Table 1 Examples of text messages for families

From: The “Happy Heart” educational program for changes in health habits in children and their families: protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Number

Message

1

Remember to eat vegetables today and everyday!

2

Eat slowly and enjoy your food!

3

Avoid soft drinks; substitute for a nice up of water :-)

4

Water is important for the organism to work well; remember to take a glass now!

5

How about turning off the TV now and go for a family walk?

6

Use different vegetables. An idea: grate a red cabbage and a carrot; add an apple and season with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and black pepper.

7

The way food is introduced to kids is very important, as this may determine if he/she will accept it or not. Even when the child refuses the food, you may try another way to introduce it. Do not give up!

8

To stimulate children to practice sports is a key factor in the fight against childhood obesity and other diseases.

9

The best strategy to make a sandwich tastier, nutritive and less caloric is to increase leafs and vegetables among its ingredients. Green leafs, as lettuce, spinach and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, beet, green pepper and hearts of palm fill your sandwich, giving a sturdy appearance to the snack and, at the same time, promoting greater satiety.

10

Try to use less salt in your food and remove the saltshaker of the table. Avoid consuming industrialized food with lots of salt, like hamburgers, sausage, ham, pretzels, canned vegetables, and manufactured soups, sauces and seasonings.