Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Eating nourishing food
Encourage kids to have more vegetables and fruit
EATING the right food is important for your growing body and developing brain. To grow clever, big and strong, your body needs the right nutrients.
Nutrients are found in food so if you eat the right food, your body will get the right nutrients that are important for good eyesight, a strong immune system to fight germs, high energy levels, strong bones and a sharp mind.
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, especially for a growing child with hours of school ahead, so it’s very important to eat breakfast every morning.
And when that break bell goes, don’t eat unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks, instead snack on healthier meals like chicken wraps, pasta salads or yummy smoothies.
A bunch of food experts care about your health and they have put together a list of important habits that will ensure you have a shot at being top of the class or on that winner’s podium.
Remember that the selections you make for every meal (lunch boxes, for snacks, for main meals) all have a lasting impact on your health, your school marks and your sporting ability.
Dear moms and dads We know that as parents and caregivers you want to do whatever you can to help support your child on their journey.
Children think and talk like us, and it’s very likely they will inherit our eating habits too.
The selections we make for lunch boxes, snacks and main meals all have a lasting impact on our children’s health.
The Million Moms Pledge for Healthy Change was created to help caregivers to keep their families healthy.
1. Eat more vegetables and fruits every day.
2. Have milk, maas or yoghurt every day.
3. Eat breakfast every day.
4. Drink more water every day.
5. Move more every day.
Sign the Pledge now at www.knowyouryoghurt. co.za and receive health tips, the opportunity to talk to other moms and also to ask nutrition experts for advice through live chats.
TIP: Pick and choose lunch Finger-food lunches work well for children with smaller appetites. For example, yoghurt and fruit and wholegrain crackers, or carrot sticks and baby tomatoes and celery and hummus (to dip).
Choose one option from each food group: lean protein eg. boiled egg, sunny-side muffin, biltong, leftover meat balls, falafels, leftover chicken strips, yoghurt of choice, hummus and high fibre starch (eg. wholegrain crackers, wholewheat toast or pita fingers, fruit, etc and favourite veggies eg. cucumber sticks, sweet pepper strips, baby/ rosa tomatoes, gherkins, etc.