Encourage a balanced diet for your children
Children can be the most discerning diners. Sometimes it can seem they change their minds about what they like and don't like with alarming speed. So how can you encourage them to eat a nutritious, balanced diet?
Tempting treats
The secret to persuading kids to empty their plates at mealtimes is to make sure their food looks as good as it tastes. And a top tip is to hide the veg they don't like in a tomato sauce for those universal favorites: pizza or pasta.
Nutrition needs
Children are still growing but often seem to have small appetites and it can be difficult to persuade them to finish a meal. But kids still need their five-a-day, although the portions are smaller than those needed by adults. Half a banana or a handful of dried fruit can be a great between-meals snack to boost their vitamin intake.
Fussy eaters
Ensure your child has the chance to try lots of different flavours and food textures from an early age: if they have a varied diet before they reach school-age they are less likely to be fussy about food – even if their classmates are. But if your child hates a particular food, don't force them to eat it – find alternatives and make sure they see you eating and enjoying foods they may be wary of.
Easy solutions
The best way to ensure your child eats well is to give them a home-cooked meal. Try the following quick and easy recipe for Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
Heat half a tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan. Add 375g of skinless chicken breasts cut into strips and stir-fry for three to four minutes or until cooked. Remove and set aside. Add another half a tablespoon of oil, two teaspoons of fresh minced ginger, one tablespoon of fresh crushed garlic, a quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and a selection of raw vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces. Fry for one minute then add 250ml water and a packet of Knorr Chicken Bouillon. Cover and steam for two to three minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Return the chicken to the pan. Mix two tablespoons soy sauce with one tablespoon cornflour and add to the pan. Cook for about one minute, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with roasted cashews and serve with noodles or rice. Serves four.
