By Bianca Slade, Blackmores Superkids Cook
From getting food on the table each night to navigating fussy eaters, when dinnertime rolls around you’re not alone if a spot of anxiety kicks in. Children’s diets can be a source of concern for many mamas because nutrients are important to support kid’s healthy growth and development. While stages of fussy eating can be normal for kids, here are some simple hacks to help ensure your kids are getting enough nutrients in their diet. Remember, mama, you got this!
1 // Go for the crunch
…And make it cold. Where possible, pile your child’s plate high with fresh, chilled salad ingredients, such as lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, radishes, sugar snap peas and cucumber. They’re high in health-boosting vitamins and are nice and filling.
For added excitement, get creative and arrange them in shapes such as smiley faces – the kids will love it and forget they’re eating healthy stuff. And you’ll also be able to add Picasso to your long list of titles (mama, cook, Superwoman…).
2 // Give your Little Well Being some support
If you’re worried a fussy eater is at risk of not getting all the nutrients they need, try the Blackmores Superkids® range, including Superkids® Multi Gummies. They’re a great choice to help supplement a healthy diet and help support kid’s development and growth. They have no added sugar and have a naturally delicious taste to help balance out kid’s diets.
3 // Tasty toppings
Consider swapping mayonnaise and other creamy sauces for yoghurt, specifically Greek yoghurt. It contains 10 times more protein than mayo, and is ideal to add with most dishes, such as meats, salads and your morning muesli. The kids won’t know the difference. Add some herbs, or a squeeze of lemon for extra taste. Yum! Watch out, kiddies, mama might be stealing your dinner tonight.
4 // Make smart spread swaps
Instead of butter, avocado works great on bread or toast instead. It’ll taste just as creamy with the added benefits of all those good fats. To make it go further, mash it with a little olive oil, so that it’s smooth and creamy. You can even use avocado as a replacement for butter in baking – you (and the kids) will never know the difference.
5 // Get them involved
Kids are more likely to eat (and enjoy!) something they’ve helped prepare, so put them to work in the kitchen! And stand back and relax as they cook for you. Haha, unlikely, but it’s a nice though isn’t? Anyway… get them involved in baking some healthy treats or have them help find something they’d love to try. Also, get your kids to help get their lunch box ready, filled with colourful, delicious snacks that are fun to munch throughout the day.
Bianca Slade is a mum of three (aged 10, six, and two), a recipe creator and owner of healthy cook blog site, Wholefood Simply. Bianca is passionate about creating whole foods that the entire family can enjoy, as well as recreating traditional treats and sweets to suit her family’s whole food ways. Bianca has published 10 cookbooks under the Wholefood Simply umbrella, including her most recent book Wholefood Simply: Natural Indulgence. Bianca has teamed up with Blackmores as their Superkids Cook.
For more information, recipes and activities to help grow your Little Well Being’s full potential, visit www.blackmores.com.au/superkids
Speak to your healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist. Always read the label. Use only as directed. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
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