How to get your child to love wholegrains

Slow-digesting food like multigrains keep your child feeling full for longer, sustaining their energy level so they’re more lively and alert. PROTEIN

Protein is the building block of cell tissues, bones, muscle and skin. It supports your child’s healthy growth and development.

A physically strong child is in a better position to do more activities such as sports and extra curricular activities. His confidence level will also receive a boost as he is able to excel in such energetic activities.

FIBRE

The fibre in wholegrains helps prevent constipation. A child who gets sufficient fibre has easier bowel movements and is more regular.

If your child is being pottytrained, preventing constipation will make this transition easier for him as he does not have to deal with painful straining and discomfort which can make using the potty an unpleasant experience.

Your child needs your tender loving touch to nurture and inculcate good eating habits and food choices.

I’ve always advocated that nutrition is a parenting skill and you are the best person to be that role model.

Here are 10 simple ways to get your child to love wholegrains:

Go grocery-shopping with your child and let him choose wholegrain foods. For example, look for wholegrain cereals, breads, crackers, noodles or pasta. By letting your little one choose for himself, he’ll feel proud and important. It will definitely pique his curiosity to want to try these new food.

Play food games with your child to make nutrition more exciting. Take out several food items from your fridge or pantry and ask your child to categorise them. For example, milk is a dairy. Eggs are protein. Bread is a grain, and so on. Or you can get them to draw different kinds of foods after you’ve talked to them about it.

Add wholegrain cereals to milk, dried fruit and nuts to make a hearty warm porridge. Or try making a savoury porridge using brown rice or oats with meat and vegetables.

Making a smoothie is a great way to incorporate wholegrains. Blend milk, yogurt, fresh fruit and wholegrain cereal (or oats) together.

Wholegrain crackers can be bland for young kids used to sugary cookies. Make the multigrain crackers tastier by adding a spread or a dip such as peanut butter, cream cheese or hummus.

Soak wholegrain bread in beaten egg to make French toast. Young children just love anything with eggs!

Substitute wholegrain cereals for breadcrumbs and make your own homemade chicken or fish nuggets.

Add wholegrain cereal into your child’s hot beverages to boost their nutritional and fibre content.

Add wholegrain cereal to mashed potato and minced meat to make cutlets.

Look up wholegrain recipes on the Internet with your little one. Let him choose what recipe to make for the family. Trust me, he’ll feel so important and will look forward to eating it!