TO some parents, the thought of being guided through a supermarket while a nutritionist dissects the pros and cons of their food choices may seem a little patronising.

But for a group of south Essex families, who are taking part in a groundbreaking new healthy eating pilot scheme, this couldn't be further from the truth.

A gathering of 12 mums, dads and youngsters enjoyed a supervised trip to Tesco Extra, in Pitsea, led by community health and improvement practitioner Jane Itangata.

The tour was an important milestone in the first ever Mend (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) scheme - a free progamme set up by the South West Essex Primary Care Trust to help families make informed choices about their children's food.

It is hoped the scheme may go some way towards helping tackle soaring rates of juvenile obesity.

The two-hour superstore stroll marked the halfway point of the nine-week course, which has also seen parents and children, aged seven to 13, attending two after-school sessions together each week to learn about healthy eating and to enjoy games and activities.

Far from being patronising, Ms Itangata was armed with enough interesting food facts to astonish even expert food buffs.

She stressed to the group although many of us might think we are getting enough detail about what's in our food by glancing at food labels on packets and boxes, we're not always taking in the right information.

Ms Itangata said: "You can easily pick up something like a loaf of bread, read the label on the front and think you know how many calories and grams of fat it contains.

"But if you look futher a lot of the time, only the amount per 100 grams is highlighted and you might be intending to eat four times that much.

"That's why it's important to know how to study food labels properly and to work out what you are putting in your body. That's what the supermarket tour is all about - to share information and healthy shopping tips with the parents on the scheme."

Ms Itangata, who works for the trust, added: "Mend shows families how they can improve their lifestyles, by choosing healthier food and being more active.

"We show them healthy food really is enjoyable and easy to make, and being active is fun.

"For instance, we encourage the children to play outside and show them the kinds of games they can play, rather than pushing competitive sports, which lots of children don't enjoy.

"The aim is for the families to learn new ways of living which they keep up once the course is finished."

Although the pilot scheme is only at its mid point, Ms Itangata said she could already see a big difference in the children taking part.

She said: "They seem more confident and lively.

"The trick is for them to find activities they are really keen on."

The trust plans to run another 49 Mend courses across south Essex over the next two years.

The next course will be launched in the new year. For details about how to sign up, call Ms Itangata on 01375 364559 if you live in Basildon, Billericay or Wickford, or Wendi Lee on 01375 413465 if you live in Thurrock.

Move to a colder climate

MARIA Lucas was worried when her son, William, nine, began putting on weight after the summer, so she signed him up to the Mend scheme.

Mrs Lucas, 38, who moved to Kingswood, Basildon, from Cape Town, five years ago, said: "There's a big difference with the way children eat and exercise in South Africa and here.

"At first it was a big shock they don't seem to play outside that much here, though perhaps some of that is down to the weather.

"I think the supermarket tour has been really helpful. I always read the labels on food to see how much fat and sugar is inside, but I've learnt that most labelling is deliberately confusing.

"Thanks to this programme, I've manged to get to the bottom of why William gained some weight and how he can lose it again."

Dad's injury led to making changes

Tory Geiling, nine, from Leigh, joined the Mend programme after her dad, Robert, got her involved.

Mr Geillink said: "I am very conscious about giving Tory healthy food and she eats very well.

She loves to eat fruit, smoothies and vegetables. I don't have to force them down her.

"But since I put on weight after suffering an injury, I've became even more concerned about Tory, myself and my family eating the right things and remaining very healthy."

Tory, who goes to West Leigh Primary School, said: "Since I started the course I've lost some weight and feel better about myself."

Being saucey was bad

LAUREN Crosby would always smother her dinners in tomato ketchup.

But now, thanks to the Mend scheme, she goes a lot easier on the sauce.

Lauren, ten, who goes to Pitsea Junior School, said: "I didn't know how much sugar and salt is in things like tomato sauce and mayonnaise.

"I think about what I eat now and I don't eat as many packets of crisps and snacks every day.

"I want to eat better so I can lose weight.

"I don't want to be really skinny, I don't like seeing people like that - just a bit smaller.

"I think it's important to have a treat now and then, though, but not to overdo it. The scheme has helped me to make choices about what I eat."

Cereal shockers

FINDING out the majority of cereals on supermarket shelves aren't as healthy as they first thought left Kelly and Karen Vickers quite shocked.

Kelly, 11, of Vange Hill Drive, Vange, often used to overindulge in chocolate until she started the course and learnt she could enjoy healthy eating.

Kelly, said: "I've learnt a lot and I've changed the way I eat now. I don't even want to want to eat chocolate all the time."

Her mum, Karen, 43, who joined her on the tour, added: "Kelly was referred to the programme by Basildon Hospital as she is quite a bit overweight.

"It's been very beneficial and she's lost weight already. Events like the supermarket tour are good as they bring children who are in the same boat, together."