A couple of weeks ago I had to take the car to the mechanics. The required new brakes, and the mechanic we love several suburbs away, conspired to mean I had to sit and wait hours for the car to be ready. With a toddler and a new born. Oh what fresh hell would this be?
The night before I packed a bag of toys, downloaded a Justine Clarke DVD onto the iPad, made toddler snacks and braced myself for the long day ahead (it was actually only going in for a service, but it was pretty obvious the brakes were in a bad way).
The only shops and entertainment nearby were a Bunnings, a fruit store, a service station and a park. We broke the day up by starting at Bunnings. My toddler helped me chose and carry seedlings. I must write about how awesome the Bunnings staff were. Baby decided she needed a feed while there. I asked a garden centre staff member if there was somewhere I could sit and feed. She not only told me to use the comfy outdoor setting displays, but came and checked I was okay. All the staff who passed me smiled warmly and a few asked if I needed anything. What a wonderful experience breast feeding in a store. Thanks Bunnings. After feeding, changing nappies and chasing the errant toddler, we purchased our herbs and returned to the mechanics.
The next trip out was around lunch. I wanted to get some fresh food and yoghurt and head to the park. I let Boo guide me on which fruit to buy, and she chose cherries, red grapes and a mandarin. We walked over to the park and opened our bounty.
Watching the pure enjoyment on Boo's face as she tucked into juicy mandarins, then devoured those fresh seasonal cherries was just bliss. It brings up the question: what makes a treat? Why do we associate treats with junk food? To my toddler that day, running round a park while enjoying fresh fruit was every bit as delightful as eating a chocolate bar. Maybe more, as the energy and nutrients from the fruit provided her with lasting energy, instead of the crash from the processed sugars. One of my favourite treats is a bag full of lychees. I love peeling those little fruits and feeling the burst of juice and natural sweetness. So, so good.
Maybe what we need is to redefine the idea of a treat. And fresh, seasonal fruits are the perfect place to start.
Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Monday, 19 November 2012
Yummy, yummy, goodie balls
Now bub is 11 weeks old, I'm starting to think about shedding the extra weight I put on while pregnant. This is not easy for me, as while I'm breastfeeding I find I'm starving. Unfortunately when I'm feeling tired and busy with my two girls, I often find myself reaching for rubbishy sugary foods.
So, it's time to hit the kitchen and whip up some super easy goodie balls. I pack mine full of good fats to provide the calories I'm craving in a vitamin and mineral dense little package. The fats are also good for my little baby's developing brain. Fresh dates provide me with B vitamins and the sweetness my body desires. They really are an awesome treat.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh dates, seeds removed (approx. 16 dates)
2tbs coconut oil
2tbs tahini
1tbs chia seeds (optional, as they are a bit like bird seed)
1 capful vanilla
1tbs almond meal
1tbs ground flaxseed
Throw all ingredients into the food processor, and process well. Roll into little balls, then roll in coconut to coat.
I recommend storing these in a glass container to avoid the fats allowing chemicals from plastics to leach into your treats.
I'm enjoying a couple of these sweet treats with a cup of ginger tea right now. Yummy!
So, it's time to hit the kitchen and whip up some super easy goodie balls. I pack mine full of good fats to provide the calories I'm craving in a vitamin and mineral dense little package. The fats are also good for my little baby's developing brain. Fresh dates provide me with B vitamins and the sweetness my body desires. They really are an awesome treat.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh dates, seeds removed (approx. 16 dates)
2tbs coconut oil
2tbs tahini
1tbs chia seeds (optional, as they are a bit like bird seed)
1 capful vanilla
1tbs almond meal
1tbs ground flaxseed
Throw all ingredients into the food processor, and process well. Roll into little balls, then roll in coconut to coat.
I recommend storing these in a glass container to avoid the fats allowing chemicals from plastics to leach into your treats.
I'm enjoying a couple of these sweet treats with a cup of ginger tea right now. Yummy!
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Fast food baby
The other night I watched a TV show that was truly shocking. Fast food baby aired on ABC2, and followed three children under three who ate fast food at every meal. EVERY meal! One child even had 6 cups of coke a day!
This type of diet for a child is nothing short of abuse. We were all outraged by the 'smoking baby' in Indonesia, but fast food for children does not elicit the same response. Why? In Australia, obesity has now overtaken smoking as the leading preventable cause of death. A diet consisting of only takeaway or convenience foods, will lead to obesity in nearly all cases. Yet people remain apathetic about food choices for children.
I see diet as one of the most important aspects of parenthood. Nutritional needs are massive in the growing child, and this should only be met with high quality nutritious food, filtered water and a balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. All additives should be removed from the diet of young children; they just are not safe, especially in the quantity and variety consumed in a modern diet (additives are only tested for safety individually, there is no data available on the effects of combining additives. Information on safe amounts is also not released, so the consumption of multiple foods with additives may in fact be exceeding the safe daily level).
We all want our children to be healthy, and most of us would never deny our children an important medicine if they were very ill. Good nutrition is the medicine that ensures good health. A good diet gives nutrients for growth, energy for play, helps build a healthy immune system, ensures good brain development and makes for happy, energetic kids. Fast food gives nothing but a lifetime of health issues.
If you have trouble choosing or preparing healthy foods for your kids, get some help. See a naturopath, nutritionist or your local child health centre. There are plenty of resources for parents out there. If you have a picky eater, check out this book http://www.mangetoutkids.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=50
Good food can be prepared easily and affordably. I find it so satisfying to see my daughter eat a beautiful, healthy meal I made with love for her. I know you will too.
Link to fast food baby program http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?series=3399586#/series/3399586
This type of diet for a child is nothing short of abuse. We were all outraged by the 'smoking baby' in Indonesia, but fast food for children does not elicit the same response. Why? In Australia, obesity has now overtaken smoking as the leading preventable cause of death. A diet consisting of only takeaway or convenience foods, will lead to obesity in nearly all cases. Yet people remain apathetic about food choices for children.
I see diet as one of the most important aspects of parenthood. Nutritional needs are massive in the growing child, and this should only be met with high quality nutritious food, filtered water and a balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. All additives should be removed from the diet of young children; they just are not safe, especially in the quantity and variety consumed in a modern diet (additives are only tested for safety individually, there is no data available on the effects of combining additives. Information on safe amounts is also not released, so the consumption of multiple foods with additives may in fact be exceeding the safe daily level).
We all want our children to be healthy, and most of us would never deny our children an important medicine if they were very ill. Good nutrition is the medicine that ensures good health. A good diet gives nutrients for growth, energy for play, helps build a healthy immune system, ensures good brain development and makes for happy, energetic kids. Fast food gives nothing but a lifetime of health issues.
If you have trouble choosing or preparing healthy foods for your kids, get some help. See a naturopath, nutritionist or your local child health centre. There are plenty of resources for parents out there. If you have a picky eater, check out this book http://www.mangetoutkids.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=50
Good food can be prepared easily and affordably. I find it so satisfying to see my daughter eat a beautiful, healthy meal I made with love for her. I know you will too.
Link to fast food baby program http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?series=3399586#/series/3399586
Monday, 5 December 2011
Pretty Pink Oats
This morning I made one of my baby girl's favourite breakfasts: rolled oats with apple and strawberry. I feel like a seasonal cheat with this dish, as apples really are a winter fruit. However, I do have a big batch of pre-cooked apple puree frozen down, so maybe it's not too bad. I love watching her little face light up when she realises what I made for her, and she even protested when I took too long to get her the next mouthful! I thought I would share this super simple recipe with you all.
Oats are such a wonderful food for babies. They are easy to digest for little stomachs, they are a calming food that nourishes the nervous system and they are low GI, ensuring a slow release of energy for exploring the world. They are also easy and quick for me to make! The apple adds some extra fibre and the strawberries are high in vitamin C. I also add coconut oil. When bub was little she had a bout of thrush that still rears its ugly head from time to time. Coconut oil is a natural antifungal, so I started using it in her food with good results. It's also a healthy fat source, and given that babies require most of their energy from fats, its great for all babies - especially formula feed bubs.
So the recipe...
2tbs rolled oats
1/3 cup of filtered water
2-3tbs apple puree
4-5 strawberries (organic strawberries tend to be small. You would only need 2-3 lge ones)
1 tsp coconut oil
Cook the oats with the water over a low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a little more water if it gets too thick. Once the oats are mushy, stir in the apple puree and coconut oil and remove from heat. Toss in the strawberries and puree. Serve with a joyous heart, knowing you made beautiful, healthy food for your baby.
This amount gives 2-3 serves for my 10mth old, depending on how hungry she is. I reheat it by placing in a glass jar in a bowl of hot water. Never microwave any food for your baby.
I would love to hear what your kids think!
Oats are such a wonderful food for babies. They are easy to digest for little stomachs, they are a calming food that nourishes the nervous system and they are low GI, ensuring a slow release of energy for exploring the world. They are also easy and quick for me to make! The apple adds some extra fibre and the strawberries are high in vitamin C. I also add coconut oil. When bub was little she had a bout of thrush that still rears its ugly head from time to time. Coconut oil is a natural antifungal, so I started using it in her food with good results. It's also a healthy fat source, and given that babies require most of their energy from fats, its great for all babies - especially formula feed bubs.
So the recipe...
2tbs rolled oats
1/3 cup of filtered water
2-3tbs apple puree
4-5 strawberries (organic strawberries tend to be small. You would only need 2-3 lge ones)
1 tsp coconut oil
Cook the oats with the water over a low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a little more water if it gets too thick. Once the oats are mushy, stir in the apple puree and coconut oil and remove from heat. Toss in the strawberries and puree. Serve with a joyous heart, knowing you made beautiful, healthy food for your baby.
This amount gives 2-3 serves for my 10mth old, depending on how hungry she is. I reheat it by placing in a glass jar in a bowl of hot water. Never microwave any food for your baby.
I would love to hear what your kids think!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)