The US-owned kids channel will run 'Nicktrition', a series of 40 short stories each about three minutes long, to be repeated around 1,000 times a month, educating its viewers about the importance of healthy diet and exercise.
Ofcom has already warned about the impact of TV advertising on children and the EU has said it will clamp down on advertising that promotes foods, which are high in fat, salt and sugar, to children in an attempt to combat the childhood obesity problem.
Nickelodeon said it was responding to the situation before it becomes taken out of the broadcasting and advertising industries' hands.
David Lynn, managing director of Nickelodeon UK, said: "We know this is a major issue so we are taking the lead."
Just under 20% of Nickelodeon's ad revenue comes from food and many of these are from junk food brands such as McDonald's and Burger King, which could be hit hard if a ban was introduced.
'Nicktrition' films will feature animated characters including cool cucumbers and saucy tomatoes to show the benefits of healthy living.
The promotion will include three all-day events in London, Birmingham and Sheffield featuring characters from popular Nickelodeon shows like 'The Wiggles' and 'Dora the Explorer'.
There will also be a dedicated website and electronic guide showing healthy food recipes, message boards, games and quizzes.
The promotion was launched following a similar initiative in the US, and research from UK Nickelodeon viewers and their parents, which showed the majority would support the company's efforts to teach them about healthy living if the material was "entertaining and interesting".
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