CHILDREN have particular nutritional needs to support healthy growth and the culture of food they grow up in will determine their food choices and influence their lifelong way of eating.
There is no greater aspect of people’s daily lives that is more inundated by misinformation and fads than their food.
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Unfortunately, children’s balanced nutrition is put on the back burner as a result of change and attention-grabbing trends, coupled with the plethora of ‘latest miracle foods’.
With South Africans battling child obesity and under-nutrition in the low-income communities, healthy eating and nutrition needs to be put at the forefront of every family’s eating plan.
The ongoing economic impact of Covid-19 has only made thinds worse.
Obesity is a major health risk, predisposing people to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Therefore dietary intake is key for children as underweight or overweight youngsters have negative impacts on both physical growth and cognitive development.
The 21st World School Milk Day on 30 September is a reminder that other food and health concerns should never eclipse the need for meeting children’s needs for daily eating regimes that promote their healthy growth.
Scientifically sound nutritional information is essential for families and schools as it empowers them to make good food choices and prioritise the nutritional needs of children.
Understanding that calcium-rich dairy products play a vital role in bone development, not only for small children but also during the teen years when bone density development is accelerated, helps parents make sure that the family gets enough of the key nutrients provided by dairy foods.
Dairy is not only a calcium-provider for healthy bones and teeth, but is also an important source of affordable, high quality protein and is packed with vitamins such as A, B2, and B12, as well as potassium and zinc.
Dairy ideas for children
No matter their income, many South African families fall short of the recommendations of two to three servings of dairy a day.
However, given the versatility of dairy, it is really easy to include it in meals, snacks and drinks.
* Add milk or maas to oats and other porridges.
* Add dairy to every lunchbox – cheese wedges and cheese as sandwich filling; small yoghurts; cottage cheese and yoghurt-based dips for vegetables and crackers.
* A simple toasted cheese sandwich is a firm favourite among children.
* Make delicious smoothies with milk and yoghurt with fresh fruits.
* Add milk or buttermilk and cheeses to scrambled eggs and omelettes.
* Melted cheese topping is always a winner that goes with many savoury dishes, vegetables and bread.
* Bake with milk, buttermilk and yoghurt. Top cakes and muffins with cream cheese icing to add more nutrients to your treat.
* Make easy frozen yoghurt popsicles or pots for healthy treats.
* Replace sweetened cold drinks with milk or milkshakes made with fruits or flavoured milk.
Parents need to remember that when it comes to eating behaviour, they are the most powerful role models.
One of the easiest ways to ensure your children consume enough dairy is to make sure it is available at home and for them to see you enjoying dairy too.
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