Weaning your baby onto solid foods is an exciting part of the parenting process. As your little one gets bigger so do their nutritional needs and they start needing to derive their energy, protein and minerals like iron and zinc needs from food. Highly nutritious, versatile, affordable and yummy, introducing eggs into your baby’s diet from early on in your weaning journey is a great idea!
Here’s why…
• Allergy awareness: While we do, understandably, worry about introducing potentially allergenic foods like eggs to our baby’s diet, the truth is that the risk of food allergies is far less common than believed. Also, experts suggest introducing potential allergenic foods as soon as weaning is started to actually reduce allergy risk.
• Brain boost: Researchers believe choline, an important nutrient for optimal brain and nervous system function (and found in eggs), contributes to healthy brain development and function in early childhood. Eggs also package other key nutrients for brain health, like protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and biotin.
• Grow baby grow: Research also shows that egg-eating youngsters may have better growth and development. Also, maintaining a healthy weight is very important and it is a known fact that eating eggs keeps you fuller for longer (helping to manage the weight of older kids, if needed).
• So tasty: Whether plain or mixed with vegetables and cheese, well-cooked whole eggs are recommended for your baby’s diet. Omelettes, scrambled eggs or French toast are all quick and easy ways to start your child’s journey of healthy eating.
Details: Information and recipe supplied by EGGcellentFood. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @eggcellentfoodsa or visit www.sapoultry.co.za
FRENCH TOAST WITH BLUEBERRIES
You’ll need: 1 egg, 2 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla essence, small pinch cinnamon, 1 slice day old bread, 1 tablespoon (15g) butter or oil
To make: In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla essence. Heat the butter or oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Dip bread into egg mixture and coat both sides well. Put dipped bread into hot pan and cook for two to three minutes on each side or until golden. Serve warm with a spoonful of cream cheese or with sliced banana or blueberries. Tip: You can use up any leftover bread for this recipe. Try sliced French bread, fruit loaf or multigrain bread for something different.
