2 minute read
Proof of the pudding
It’s proven that cooking with kids sets them up for a healthy life. A Cambridge University study showed pre-schoolers with a balanced, healthy diet are less likely to be obese.
In Knowsley family cookery sessions show children how healthy ingredients can be made into tasty food. Manager Joanne Cotter says as well as developing culinary skills, the sessions will help children know how to include healthy food in their diet.
Dietitian Amy agrees, “My son Bobby loves ‘hiding’ the vegetables by making them into soup. He’s always asking when we can do it again!
Amy’s food tips:
• Give your child what you’re eating
• Make food colourful and appealing
• Eat together so they see you enjoying food
• Offer small portions and praise your child for eating even a small amount
• If they refuse food don’t force the issue, try again another time
• Try to involve children in the planning and preparation of healthy snacks and meals.
For more recipes and tips visit Recipes - Healthier Families - NHS
Buddy up
Jamie Oliver is synonymous with kids and healthy eating. Now youngest son Buddy (above with Jamie) fronts a BBC TV series, ‘Cooking Buddies’.
“We underestimate our kids’ abilities,” says Jamie. “They often do so well when we give them responsibility. But remember there will be more mess than usual! Your child is not an adult, so cut them a bit of slack.”
Bite size chunks
CBeebies experts advise talking about food texture and counting ingredients to grab a child’s attention
Kids Fruit website says peer pressure can be positive –get together with families and have them round for tea. Their website has a fruit and vegetable alphabet game. Kidsfruit.org
