Getting Kids to Eat and Learn about Apples

We know that apples have tremendous amount of goodness and nutritional benefits. It is also being recommended for people looking to loose weight, simply because it does not release sugars into the body abruptly and it is also filling. My older son loves apples but my younger one stays away.

There are a few ways to get our kids to eat apples – I do this all the time especially during the weekends when I am with them:

1. Slice the apples into thin slices or small pieces – its easier to munch and swallow

2. Add some salt – it gives it a bit of taste – salt usually does the trick but not too much

3. Arrange the slices on a place 

- Place the plate in their play area – they would tend to munch as they play their toys

- Place it on the table while you get the rest of a meal ready. Children will tend to get them in with their fingers quickly while they wait for dinner or a pizza delivery. Don’t worry about them spoiling their appetites. Also, we don’t have to worry too much if they don’t eat their vegetables.

4. Slice the apples and include slices of apple with cucumber, tomato, or fruit such as an orange or a kiwi fruit.


There are lovely recipes for apples. Personally, eating them just the way they are, are the best.

Here are three ways to eat apples

Applesauce
Most children enjoy applesauce. This is a simple applesauce recipe:

1. 2 red apples,
2. Two teaspoons of sugar (brown sugar is fine),
3. A few tablespoons of lemon and some cinnamon.

Place the two red apples in a food processor, tossing out the core first.
Place the ground apple in a bowl and add your sugar, lemon juice and finally a few pinches of cinnamon.

Voila!

Fruit and Yogurt
Of course the one great way to eat fruit is with yoghurt.

Look up for the yoghurt recipe in this blog. Its homemade and fresh and add the fruit of your choice.

You can simply improvise  this recipe by mixing in any type of fruits you like and add your favorite cereal and nuts.

Your kids can do it. Teach them to help them understand that eating fruit is important and the easy ways to eat and prepare fruit recipes.

Happy Teaching and Cooking!

Papaya Recipes for Children to Prepare

The goodness of papayas is tremendous and our kids must know that they must take papayas at least once a week if not every other day. A slice a day can do lots of good. Here are 2 easy recipes for children to make and which they can continue to make and later impress their friends as they grow older. Read the previous post to guide your kids on the goodness of papayas and the lessons you can teach.




Papaya Lassi

What is Lassi? Lassi is a popular drink in South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. Lassi actually means yoghurt drink. It is a mix of water and yoghurt. It is a quick thirst quencher and intended to provide energy.

The basic Lassi drink has taken a different look and has become popular around the world. People tend to:

- Sweeten it – with sugar or honey

- Spice it

- Add fruit – puree form

You can buy yoghurt or better yet, make it yourself. Look up for how to make yoghurt in this blog.

Ingredients List

1/2 cup pureed/mashed ripe papaya
You can if you like other fruit such as 1/2 cup peach puree, strawberries, mango and orange
Plain whole milk yogurt as desired
Honey or sugar (try honey if you like sweet)

How to Make

1. Blend papaya and other fruit with ice cubes if you like it cold
2. Add plain whole milk yogurt and mix


Papaya Smoothie :

Blend papaya, guava, ice and some honey (instead of sugar). And some ice. You can omit the ice if your kids are having the cough or flu
Add milk and blend again

Walla! Papaya Smoothie


Other ways to Eat Papaya

1. Cut into cubes and include in your salads
2. Squeeze some lemon or lime juice
3. Papaya juice – juice it and add honey if you like
4. Papaya and Chicken – add papaya cubes (half to three quarters ripe) to cooked chicken.
5. Just Like that – cut up a slice or two. Store the rest in the fridge.

Do you have papaya based recipes?

Happy Cooking and Teaching!

Keep Our Children’s Digestive System Happy

Unhealthy digestive systems can create lots of health issues. And if it occurs at a young age, the problems will tend to drag till they are older when it would be more difficult to manage. How to we keep our children’s digestive system healthy?


As explained in the previous blog post, probiotics are microorganisms similar to those that naturally exist in the gut. Prebiotics essentially help facilitate the effect of probiotics.

Where can we get probiotics and prebiotics in our diet?

Probiotics:

- Food as well as dietary supplements including yogurt, milk, miso, tempeh, and soy beverages.
- The largest group of probiotics are lactic acid bacteria found in yoghurt

Have a look at this blog post for home made yoghurt - its simple and quick.

Home Made Yoghurt

Prebiotics

 

Prebiotics can be derived from plants or synthesized.

- soybeans, whole grains, onions, chicory root, bananas, garlic, leeks, artichokes and raw oats.

Probioitics is commonly combine with antibiotic use. Probiotics also can be used to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel, urinary tract infection, prevent and manage eczema in children

While probiotics are generally found to be safe, side effects are typically mild (for example, increased gas or bloating). As with probiotics, prebiotics can cause gas, bloating and increased frequency of bowel movements when consumed in large quantities (i.e. you may fart and poop more). Like everything else, practice balance and moderation.

As with any supplement, always check with your doctor and choose a well-known.

The next few recipes, I hope to have those with the above ingredients. In the meantime, if you have ideas, do share. Also, get your kids to learn about eating well and prepare meals with these items and dont forget to explain why.

Going as natural as possible is always the preferred approach!

Happy Cooking and Happy Teaching.