Many children as young as two have already decided what
they like and don’t like. They run away from the sound of vegetables but
will try something new only if prepared to their liking. It is common
for moms to find half eaten lunches after a day at nursery.
Young children require large amounts of calcium for their
growing bones, minerals to keep them healthy, fiber and carbohydrates to
provide the energy and protein to help in the development of their
muscles. If you are a lucky mom, whose child eats “anything”, you
probably find it easy to pack a school lunch. However for those moms who
struggle to get their child to eat nutritious food, here are some
convenient ingredients that is both nutritious and instant.
NUTRITIOUS FOODS
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids that help in the
development of the brain. Flaxseeds are a category of plant-based food
that can be added over baked goodies like pizza and pastries or
substituted for flour in countless recipes like pancakes, waffles,
muffins, breads, and buns.
Tofu
Although tofu is seldom considered as packed lunch, tofu is
a great source of calcium, vitamin- B, protein and iron. Tofu is also a
flexible ingredient, easily substituted in cooked food as cheese or
meats. Tofu can be grilled or fried and added to sandwiches or eaten by
itself.
Cheese
Most children love cheese and for good reason too. Cheese
provides plenty of calcium needed for healthy bones, and teeth. Cheese
alone or in sandwiches make great preschool snacks.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is full of nutrition and conveniently comes
in a jar. Peanut butter is packed with fiber, calcium, magnesium,
vitamin B-6, iron, carbohydrates, and mono-saturated fats. A peanut
butter sandwich accompanied with a fruit will give your child almost all
the nutrition they require during the day.
Nuts
Nuts contain a high nutritional value for adults and children who attend Dubai preschools.
Pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, cashews and walnuts are
packed with nutrition; omega 3, proteins, calcium, unsaturated fats, and
loads of minerals. Nuts are great for children, and are eaten as they
are or topped on pastries, breads, and salads. Do consult your doctor
however, as some children are allergic to nuts.
Fruits
Fruits are an important part to everybody’s health and
wellness and it is no different for children. Many children are picky
eaters as they are forming their opinion to certain foods and will only
eat what they like. If your child does not like having fruits, introduce
an all-natural fruit juice, or baking fruit pies that they enjoy.
Vegetables
It is common knowledge amongst mothers with young children
who struggle to get their child to eat their vegetables. Vegetables do
need to be disguised in other foods. To save on time in the morning, try
baking vegetables along with cheese or tofu into a pastry or bread roll
the previous night, and heating it up in the morning. The children are
distracted by the convenience and cheese they will not notice the
goodness of the vegetables.
Lunchtime at Kids Island Nursery is a fun activity where
all the children identify and open their transparent lunch bags provided
by Kids Island Nursery. Children are encouraged to open their boxes and
talk about their snacks, which helps distract them from their dislikes.
Our class teachers and assistants encourage your child to eat making
sure they have received the nutrition they need to carry on for the rest
of the day.
