Did You Know?

Sometimes we avoid using an ingredient because we don't know how to prepare and cook it, what it tastes like, or what benefits it can bring. Food is not just what keeps us going, but it has healthy hidden secrets too. Food for babies is even more important. we must remember they have an unadulterated palate and start them off with pure tasting ingredients. 

Most importantly, food is FUN! 

Cinnamon is a spice and our grandmothers used it as a tonic for cold and coughs. 

Quinoa is gluten free and has a high protein content unlike wheat or rice. Quinoa comes from the Andes and the ancient Inca civilisation called it the "Mother Grain".Quinoa is not actually a grain but comes from the spinach and chard family but we do cook it like a grain.  

Millet is a gluten-free cereal that is full of Vitamin B, folic acid, iron, and magnesium.

Banana is rich in vitamin C and potassium. Both of which are crucial for the development of our muscles and our nervous system.

You should aim to eat fruit 20 mins before a meal and not after because fruit ferments in your tummy and if there is other food in your tummy you will get all gassy and won't smell good!

There are 6 tastes: bitter, sweet, sour, pungent, salty, and astringent. As we grow, we should try and include these in each meal but for babies this is in tiny quantities.

Babies have a pure palate and it's important they get to know a food by its taste, smell and texture, in its' natural form. Don't add sugar or salt! 

When you first start feeding your baby solids, introduce one flavour at a time, for 3 -4 days and then mix with something else. 

Make sure you have wipe clean surfaces and a good bib - food gets everywhere!

When your toddler is older, trying giving them mango or other juicy fruit to eat - preferably standing in the bath with no clothes on! What a mess! 

Send us some more helpful hints that I can add - it's supposed to be fun and getting kids to eat, or at least try everything is a challenge! Let's make it interesting for them!