A varied, balanced diet is important for all the family but especially for growing children. By providing your child with a variety of different foods you can make sure that they are getting all the vitamins and minerals that are needed for healthy growth. We all know, however, that sometimes children can be fussy about their food; especially as they get older. Here are some hints and tips on how you can turn even the fussiest child into a healthy eater.

Make mealtimes fun

At our nursery we view meal times as a sociable daily event to enjoy together; the sharing of food has always traditionally brought people together. It’s a great time to teach children such personal skills as sharing, good manners and consideration for others. To show that we really mealtimes at nursery, children help us to set the scene by laying the table with attractive tablecloths and a centrepiece of a vase of (fake!) flowers. Our practitioners encourage conversation by sitting with the children at their level and sharing food with them.

Take your time and try new flavours

Meal times at Almond House are never rushed, children are always given time to enjoy their food. Lunchtime and high tea are seen as a great opportunity to introduce a wide variety of flavours and textures to children. For example, our children love the crunch of crudités with creamy homemade houmous, the spicy taste of onion bhajis or sweet potato and spinach curry and the soft, springy texture of potato gnocchi in a tasty tomato sauce. We find that enabling children to try a diversity of ingredients from a young age makes them confident, adventurous diners who are less likely to overindulge in less wholesome ‘junk’ foods.

Involve children in the whole process

We find it very beneficial to involve children in the cooking and preparation of their meals. Our chef, Martin, spends time cooking with the children weekly and they help to make homemade pizzas, frozen fruit smoothies, fresh soups and sweetcorn and courgette fritters. This hands-on approach means that children have an ownership of what they are eating which leads to a great attitude to healthy eating.

Here is a simple recipe for you to try at home: Frozen berry smoothie lollies

Ingredients:

(makes 8)

300g fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sliced banana, mixed

475ml plain yoghurt

50g caster sugar

Ice pop mould or 8 paper cups

8 wooden ice pop sticks

Method

Prep: 15 minutes  Extra Time: 5 h hours freezing  Ready in 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Place the mixed blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sliced bananas, yogurt and sugar into a blender. Cover, and blend until fruit is chunky or smooth, as desired.

Fill paper cups 3/4 full with fruit mixture. Cover the top of each cup with a strip of foil. Poke a wooden stick through the centre of the foil on each cup.

Place the cups in the freezer for at least 5 hours. To serve, remove foil and peel off the paper cup.