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| If you are despairing of ever succeeding in moving
nutritious food from your child's plate into their digestive
system then read on! |
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| Food manufacturers and advertisers know exactly
which buttons to press when it comes to 'food for kids'. There
are cartoon characters, toys, pop band posters, not to mention
'added vitamins and minerals'. If we add to these persuasive
factors a tired parent, longing for a little respite, then it's
easy to see why the advertisers and their loyal little customers
win every time. |
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| Government figures show that today's children
are less healthy than their forbears. Tooth decay is on the
increase, as is obesity. Both are believed to be a direct result
of eating too much sugar, salt and fat. These are found typically
in the many processed snack foods which children eat regularly.
A poor childhood diet increases the risk of chronic illnesses
such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer later in life. Behavioural
problems, particularly hyperactivity, are believed to have a
dietary link. However, a new initiative to encourage fruit eating
has just been launched in schools around the country. Teachers
are already reporting better classroom behaviour and performance |
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| So how do we get a good range of proteins, carbohydrates,
fats (good ones!), vitamins and minerals into our children's
diet? The psychological side of food cannot be underestimated!
Food 'games' might sound a chore but can be fun. It's worth
making 'mashed potato clouds' and 'broccoli trees' to see these
items disappear from the dinner plate! Cutting an orange into
quarters and making 'orange smiles' is a popular technique,
providing a good source of vitamin C. |
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| Avoiding sugar from a young age is an excellent
idea. It can hide in a wide range of foods, especially breakfast
cereals and drinks. |
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| Quality protein is really important for growing
children. Options depend on whether your child eats meat or
is vegetarian. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey,
fish, nut butters, soya products and tofu. Even vegetables contain
protein. Remember that green leafy vegetables are a good source
of magnesium and iron. I've found that asking my daughter, 'Which
vegetables would you like for tea?' works better than 'What
would you like for tea?' The latter leads straight to the pizza
aisle! Buffet style family meals can also give a feeling of
'choice' and work well in a vegetable resistant household! |
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| Carbohydrates are found in wholegrains, wholemeal
bread, pasta and cereals as well as many other foods. Including
some 'good' fats is also important. Essential Fatty Acids can
be found in oily fish, vegetable oils and avocados. |
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| Use a blender to make tasty and nutritious fruit
smoothies. Home-made soups are also a good way of making vegetables
easily accessible. |
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| Try keeping processed foods to a minimum, with
an emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruit. Healthy snacking
can be encouraged! Popular choices for children include carrot
sticks with salsa dip, raisins and yoghurt or carob coated snacks.
Encourage your child to drink lots of water. Buy a special 'fun'
beaker or add ice cubes if it helps. |
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| Good luck! Let me know how you get on! |
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