Superfoods for kids
Parents have responsibility for their children’s health. The responsibility to provide them with the right nutrients to have the best head start. It can be tough at times, ads on TV, those bright-coloured treats at the supermarket checkout, right at eye level…just as they (and you) have reached meltdown point. It would be so easy just to give in to keep them quiet, huh? These snacks are often high in fats, preservatives, chemicals, sugar, not something you want in their growing bodies. Obesity in children is on the increase. Studies show that obesity in child hood increases your chance of obesity in adult life contributing to numerous health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
By incorporating super foods into their diet you are providing them with extra nutrition to fuel them on their busy day. Not only preventing obesity but providing nutrients that support the health of their digestion, immune system and overall health and well being. So before you reach for those packets of chips or bright coloured ice cream, here are some much healthier snack options to nourish your little ones.
Why is a healthy diet important?
- Improved immunity
- Improved concentration
- Mood
- Digestion
- Energy levels
- Maintaining a healthy weight
The new green drink – Spirulina
My dad jokes and shakes his head about how my son loves his ‘green drink’ and protests, saying ‘green drink in my day was green cordial!’. Initially you may think that there is no way to get your kids to drink this green powder but mixed with juice or in a shake the flavour is easy to disguise. Spirulina is packed with over 100 nutrients. It is equivalent to 5 serves or fruit and vegetables per serve. It is high in protein, antioxidants, iron and B12 – natures multivitamin. It’s great for boosting energy and supporting heart, eye and immune health.
Chia Seeds
This tiny little seed has a mild taste and is easy to hide in children’s food. Chia is a great source of omega 3s and fibre. Omega 3 is important for brain, heart and skin health. While the fibre in chia helps digestion and is beneficial for helping little bodies eliminate waste.
I use chia in all of my baking (it absorbs water so make sure you add extra liquid to your recipe), in raw food snacks (fruit and nut balls), or you can sprinkle it on cereal and even in stir fries.
Superfood shake
This wholefood shake is packed with nutrients and is an easy way to increase your child’s vitamin intake. High in protein, it contains 24 vitamins and minerals. The nutrients in this shake are beneficial for energy, immunity and healthy digestion. It is naturally sweetened, gluten free and a yummy berry flavour.
This shake can be mixed with water or your choice of milk as an afternoon snack and even made into ice blocks for a summer treat.
Coconut oil
This tropical superfood is a great energy source for your busy kids. The fats in coconut oil are easily digested and absorbed, quickly supplying the body with energy. Coconut oil also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Perfect for little immune systems.
Coconut oil is stable in heat can be used in baking, stir fries, raw food recipes and salad dressings.