Let’s Talk Meal Times Engaging children in meal preparation is a fun and educational experience that promotes healthy eating habits. The childcare centres we work with strive to create education about food, but here are some ideas to cook up more great habits at home for parents to stir up healthy habits! Involving Children in…
Deakin University Study Reveals Poor Nutritional Outcomes in Australian Childcare Centers Due to Discretionary Meal Choices and Lack of Resources A June 2022 study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition found that discretionary meal choices, such as daily sandwiches, were used regularly in childcare settings, leading to a lack of variety in children’s…
Not all fats are made equal. Did you know that some types of fats are essential for good health? While fats are often given a bad rap, there are some fats that our bodies absolutely need to survive. What are fats? Dietary fats come in all different shapes and sizes. Some types of fats…
It’s well-known that the way a parent or caregiver speaks to a child has an impact on their behaviour, but research is increasingly showing that this is also true for how children form eating habits. How we speak to children about food is just as important for their on-going health and development, as what we…
There is a popular saying “knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad”! Tomatoes are a great source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, folate and the antioxidant lycopene, which has been researched for its role in cancer prevention and heart health. Cooked tomatoes contain…
Mealtimes offer a great opportunity to nourish more than our children’s bodies. Sharing a meal is the perfect opportunity to help children learn more about themselves, those around them, and their world. Here are some fun suggestions for nourishing young brains and hearts, as they enjoy their food. Let’s work together. Shared mealtimes can…
Australian children have the highest prevalence of food allergy in the world. Parents are stressed and childcare providers are at the frontline. With so many guidelines and responsibilities, we’ve compiled 5 top tips for reducing worry and risk for all. 1. Communication, Communication, Communication Parents of allergy-affected children are seeking reassurance than ever.…
Try a pre-dinner walk or get kids actively playing outside before dinner to increase appetite. Involve the children in decision making and cooking. Family mealtimes can be used to plan meals ahead. Children are more likely to eat when there is some investment in or ownership of the meal. Keep the atmosphere pleasant. Take the…
There are different categories of fussy eaters and managing them is never a case of ‘one size fits all’. Use this quiz to find out which category your child falls into and how to manage their fussy eating. 1. Does your child eat a variety of foods from each food group? Yes, go to…
To snack or not to snack? For littlies, snacking is especially important, due to the size of their stomachs and their rapid rate of growth during childhood. Leaving large gaps between meals can also lead to erratic blood sugar levels, leaving little ones lethargic and irritable or over hungry for their next meal. When…