Sometimes the hardest job in a parent’s day is what food to provide your child for dinner or lunch. Some children will quite happily eat the same lunch every day for ages and then suddenly announce that they no longer like that food. As with much areas of child-raising, it can be beneficial (even though sometimes more frustrating and longer) to include your child in the decision-making about food and its preparation.
Some simple guidelines are:
- Make it simple
- Eat with your child if possible.
- Keep an eye on bought products for ingredients which may not be so good for your child
- Try to lessen your child’s intake of sugar.
- Make food attractive.
- Fresh is best.
- For drinks, offer water first. Watch out for sugar drinks.
- Offer food sometimes which is fun: smoothies, wraps or dips.
One simple recipe you may wish to try which is good to store is: Carrot, zucchini and parsnip frittata fingers: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/7354/carrot+zucchini+and+parsnip+frittata+fingers?ref=collections,healthy-snack-recipes
The Taste Collection offer some interesting lunch ideas: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections/kids+healthy+lunch+box+ideas
“Eating Well” – a kid friendly recipe book is available for free download at http://www.eatingwell.com/free_downloads/healthy_recipes_for_kids
The Staff at Angel’s Paradise Early Education Centre are committed to nurturing the whole child and only provide nutritious and varied lunches for the children.