THE new school year has got off to a flying start and as most mums know, getting fresh ideas for your child’s lunch box can be a real hassle.
Kids need a lot of energy which is why healthy meals are essential.
SunFood has a few ideas that can help you conquer the January fever.
Fresh fruit, vegetables and introducing various types of bread are all good ideas.
To encourage children to have a nutritious, balanced diet early on is important for a number of reasons, according to nutritionists.
If you start early it ensures they get the right vitamins and minerals in their diet which helps them develop optimally.
They are also more likely to be energised and motivated, supporting their ability to learn.
If kids are happier and healthier, they sleep better, feel better, don’t get sick as often and respond better when they do.
Educating them about healthy eating during childhood will also help them make healthier choices as they grow older.
Despite the obvious benefits, we know that there can be real challenges when it comes to healthy eating for kids.
In Nutritionist Resources’ recent survey which was done among 1 000 parents, they wanted to find out what sort of challenges parents faced. The results included fussy eaters, cost of healthy food and convenience or time restraints.
But you can start small. Start with fruit for instance. There are many types of fruit and you can serve them in various ways, by making smoothies, ice fruit lollies, fruit sticks, dried fruit pieces, fruit salads, mixing them with yoghurt or even low fat ice cream.
You can even try your hand at making your own fruity ice tea, fruit stews or jam!
Introduce your kids to fresh fruit that is in season and easy to get that will also help with costs.
Mangoes are now in season.
Sliced, fresh mango is a delicious, healthy break-time snack. Just half a mango provides 47% of the Nutrient Reference Values for vitamin C! And we all know vitamin C helps to prevent colds, flu and builds the immune system.
Challenge the kids to find different ways to peel, eat and use mangoes in baking and cooking.
Get them involved in their lunch boxes or in making dinner or trying new recipes. It is a sure-fire way to get them motivated!