Feeding Fussy Kids — make mealtime fun

    Colourful desserts and junk food may top the list of Christmas must-haves. But do you let the kids have these sweet treats and suffer the aftermath of hyperactive behaviour, irritability and sore tummies? Do you ban all junk and go organic? Or is there some sort of compromise that can not only keep the kids happy but also make it easier on the parents so they too can enjoy the holidays? Here are three sanity-saving tips for parents during the Christmas holiday period:  Tip 1: Substitute junk food containing artificial additives Swap the main offenders for snacks that...

It’s 8.30 a.m. and you’re rushing to get your child off to school on time. Wait! The lunchbox isn’t done. You want to pack something healthy so you grab an apple, a tub of yoghurt with a cold pack and a spoon, and quickly make a grainy sandwich, add a spread and wrap it. You throw in a healthy treat just in case they’re extra hungry. Oops, nearly forgot the water bottle. You seize it and make it out the door on time. You’re busy and a tad forgetful at times but luckily you’ve read Lunchbox tips and tricks. Lunchboxes...

  There’s ordinary food and then there are the star quality ingredients that offer your child so much more than just protein, carbohydrates and fats (which are macronutrients). Star quality ingredients also contain a valuable combination of micronutrients such as antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. Some of my favourite star quality ingredients also have the unique ability to alter the acid and alkali balance, or pH, within the body and this can positively influence health and wellbeing. You can use this scientific information to be confident (in your own mind) that you are telling your child the truth when you...

  Fast food manufacturers call products ‘happy meals’ and they make children’s food into small and fun shapes. They also associate their products with novelty gadgets and animated characters. This is clever. And it’s clear that over time many people come to associate these brands with enjoyment because they keep going back for more. Parents can also create this fun feeling with healthy food. All you need to do is use your imagination. You can make vegetables appear fun by creatively styling your child’s food so it looks good. You can also give their meals imaginative names so they sound fun. ...

The last time I checked, McDonald’s didn’t serve fresh carrot sticks. However, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, preschoolers prefer the taste of carrots when packaged in a McDonald’s bag. The ‘brandless’ carrots just didn’t taste as good. Neither did the brand-free french fries, hamburger and chicken nuggets, even though they were genuine McDonald’s products simply served in a plain bag without the big ‘m’ present.1 So what does it mean when kids prefer the taste of carrots wrapped in fast food packaging? Should you start serving veggies in brand-name containers to get them...