Children’s early years are the best time to establish a love for healthy eating, according to a growing body of research and the latest nutrition guidelines. For many families and early educators, childcare catering plays a big role in shaping those habits — providing meals that reinforce variety, consistency and nutrition from the start.
However, forming these habits isn’t as simple as knowing what children should eat. Creating a physical and emotional environment that supports children to develop a positive association with nutritious foods is just as important.
What makes a nutritious meal?
From iron and calcium to fibre and protein, key nutrients fuel growing bodies and brains. Healthy carbohydrates help sustain children’s energy throughout the day, while vegetables and wholegrains support digestion and immune strength. Consistent and well-balanced meals help children concentrate better and play more and learn more.
The Wellbeing Food Co’s recipes are designed to tick all these boxes. For example, our Hoisin Beef with Noodles are rich with iron and protein, while our new Strawberry & Rhubarb Yoghurt contains calcium. As well as our Vegetable Tagine with Pasta dish, offering both fibre and a mix of colourful veggies that make healthy eating fun (and delicious). You can also support cognitive development through healthy fats that support brain development.
How do you encourage healthy eating?
Though it’s relatively easy to find the right food, getting children to eat it often proves the real challenge.
We all know that children learn through repetition. But when it comes to the early years, consistency can be hard to come by. This is why it’s important to understand the specific role caregivers fill, and knowing what you can control, and what you can’t.
It’s a partnership. While adults play an important role in what and when food is offered, children learn to decide how much they need based on their own hunger and fullness cues. Establishing consistent mealtime routines helps reinforce these cues and creates a predictable, stress‑free environment for children and caregivers alike.
Remember, children are more likely to try new foods when meals are pleasant and pressure-free. The goal is not to have them clear their plate, but enjoy exploring the variety of food options that make eating a positive experience. One effective method is creating positive food experiences through gradual exposure.
How does Wellbeing Food Co help?
Our chef and dietitian designed menus do the heavy lifting for you. We deliver heat‑and‑serve meals that meet all the nutrition requirements, with hidden veggies in them and allergy‑friendly options for every diet.
Healthy eating isn’t built overnight. But with nutritious and delicious meals provided in a supportive, pressure‑free environment, you can give children the best possible start. We also specialise in allergy management in early childhood catering.
To learn more, please call us at the Wellbeing Food Co today on (07) 3062 9268 or leave a message.
* Australian Government Department of Health, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: Healthy Eating for Your Child; National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Dietary Guidelines: Recommended Daily Intakes
** Australian Guide to Healthy Eating: Children’s brochure (N55f)
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