Teaching kids about nutrition through hands-on cooking activities not only helps combat childhood obesity but also sets the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.
While kids need to know that every food they put into their bodies affects them, you don’t want to give them more facts than they can grasp or turn every meal into a lecture. But wait too long and they could pick up unhealthy habits in the meantime. Registered dietitian Dr Monique Piderit emphasises the value of hands-on cooking activities in teaching kids about nutrition. “Involving children in meal preparation can significantly benefit their health. Research shows that children who cook are more likely to make healthier food choices.”
Dr Piderit shares some tips for ensuring children have nutritious school lunches, snacks, and dinners:
- Balanced school lunches Include a mix of lean proteins (like chicken, beans, eggs, yoghurt, milk, maas), whole grains (such as wholewheat bread, crackers, high-fibre pasta), and a variety of colourful vegetables and fruits. This combination ensures children get essential nutrients to keep them energised throughout the day.
- Healthy snacks Opt for snacks that are high in fibre and low in added sugars. Examples include apple slices with nut butter, carrot sticks with hummus, yoghurt with fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts.
- Nutritious dinners Focus on balanced meals that include a lean protein, a variety of vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporate healthy fats, like nuts, peanut butter, and those found in canola oil and mayonnaise, to support overall health.
- Fun and nutritious cooking activities B-well has launched their Taste Explorers Cookbook in collaboration with Dr Piderit. Packed with more than 25 nutritious recipes, it helps parents create healthy and delicious school lunches and dinners for their kids. You can download your own copy of the Taste Explorers Cookbook through their website bwellfoods.co.za and start making delicious, nutritious meals with your children today.
We think these three kid-friendly recipes from the Taste Explorers Cookbook will get kids excited about nutrition.
SWEET POTATO FISH CAKES WITH LEMON MAYO DIP
Encourage kids to enjoy seafood combined with nutritious vegetables.
What you’ll need: 1.6 kg sweet potatoes, diced; 50 g frozen peas;
½ bunch fresh chives, finely chopped; 3 cans tuna, drained;
1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 large egg, beaten (or 3 tablespoons B-well Sandwich Spread as an egg replacement); 1 tablespoon plain whole wheat flour, plus extra for dusting; 2 tablespoons B-well Canola Oil; 1 small onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste
For the dip: 2 tablespoons B-well Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon plain yoghurt; 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How to make: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Boil the sweet potatoes and frozen peas in water until tender. Once cooked, drain and allow them to cool completely. In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped chives, drained tuna, and lemon juice. Add the beaten egg (or B-well Sandwich Spread), salt, and pepper to taste. Mash the sweet potatoes and peas, then mix into the tuna mixture until well combined. Lightly dust your hands with flour. Divide the mixture into eight equal parts and shape into fish cakes. Spray a baking tray with cooking spray. Place the fish cakes onto the tray and bake for 5 minutes. For the dip, mix mayonnaise, plain yoghurt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Serve the sweet potato fish cakes with the lemon mayo dip.
CHIKKO BITES
Provide a protein-packed snack or meal component.
What you’ll need: 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized portions; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 4 tablespoons B-well Sandwich Spread; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; B-well Canola Oil, for baking
How to make: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece of chicken with B-well Sandwich Spread, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with canola oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
SMASHED CHICKPEA AND AVO WRAP
These super easy wraps are perfect for meal prep and on-the-go lunches.
What you’ll need: 1⁄2 tin chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon B-well Original Tangy Mayonnaise; 1⁄2 ripe avocado, peeled and diced into chunks; 1 high fibre wrap
How to make: Use the back of a fork to roughly mash the chickpeas. Add spices, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Spread the chickpea/mayonnaise mixture evenly over the wrap, leaving a 2cm border around the edge. Top with diced avocado, roll the wrap and enjoy!
Lunchbox Tip: Roll the assembled wrap in parchment paper and secure both ends by tying it with twine or string.
Serving Suggestion: For added crunch, consider including almond flakes. Great for kids without nut allergies!
Text: BRONWYN FORBES-HARDINGE