Bianca Slade @wholefoodsimply is a mum of three (aged 10, 6, and 2), a recipe creator and owner of healthy cook blog site, Wholefood Simply. Bianca is passionate about creating whole foods the entire family can enjoy, as well as recreating traditional treats and sweets to suit her family’s whole food ways. Bianca has published 10 cookbooks under the Wholefood Simply umbrella.

Now she's sharing with us all her simple and easy food hacks for kids! YASSS!!

Children’s diets can be a source of concern for parents. It has been estimated, as many as 3 out of 4 Australian parents are at least a little concerned their child isn’t getting all the nutrition they need [i] , according to new research from YouGov Galaxy. This research also found three out of four parents say their kids would rather eat fast food or snack all day as opposed to eating main meals [ii] ..

Nutrients are important to support kid’s healthy growth and development, and fussy eaters often aren’t getting all of the nutrients they need to support healthy growth and development.

While stages of fussy eating can be normal for kids, here are some simple hacks to help ensure your kids are getting enough nutrients in their diet.  

[i] [i] The study conducted by YouGov Galaxy Research, polled a representative sample of 1,000 Australians, with respondents with children aged between 2-12 years answering questions regarding children’s health, nutrition and wellbeing

[ii] The study conducted by YouGov Galaxy Research, polled a representative sample of 1,000 Australians, with respondents with children aged between 2-12 years answering questions regarding children’s health, nutrition and wellbeing.

1.     Go for the crunch

…And make it cold. Pile your child’s plate high with fresh, chilled salad ingredients, such as lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, radishes, sugar snap peas and cucumber. They’re high in health-boosting vitamins, and are nice and filling, so your kids can forget about those less nutrient dense foods for a moment.  

For added excitement, be creative and arrange them in shapes such as smiley faces – the kids will love it and forget they’re eating healthy stuff.

2.     Tasty toppings

Swap fatty mayonnaise and other creamy sauces for yoghurt, specifically Greek yoghurt. It contains 10 times more protein than mayo, and is ideal to add with most dishes, such as meats, salads and your morning muesli. The kids won’t know the difference. Add some herbs, or a squeeze of lemon for extra taste.

3.     Make smart spread swaps

Instead of butter, use avocado on bread or toast instead. It’ll taste just as creamy, but you’ll be feeding your Little Well Being with the added benefits of all those good fats. To make it go further, mash it with a little olive oil, so that it’s smooth and creamy. You can even use avocado as a replacement for butter in baking – you (and the kids) will never know the difference.

4.     Give your Little Well Being some support

We know that fussy eaters are at risk of not getting all the nutrients they need to support healthy growth and development, and sometimes this may leave them with nutritional gaps. To support your Little Well Beings, the Blackmores Superkids® range, including Superkids® Multi Gummies are a great choice to help supplement a healthy diet and help support kid’s healthy development and growth. They have no added sugar and have a naturally delicious taste to help balance out kid’s patchy diets.

5.     Get them involved

Kids are more likely to eat (and enjoy!) something they’ve helped prepare, so get them in the kitchen! Bake some healthy ‘treats’ or have them help find something they’d love to try. Also, get your kids to help get their lunch box ready, filled with colourful, delicious snacks that are fun to munch throughout the day. Set an example about the importance of healthy eating early on, and they’ll thank you later! 

For more information, recipes and activities to help grow your Little Well Being’s full potential, visit www.blackmores.com.au/superkids

Speak to your healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist. Always read the label. Use only as directed. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.

[1] [1] The study conducted by YouGov Galaxy Research, polled a representative sample of 1,000 Australians, with respondents with children aged between 2-12 years answering questions regarding children’s health, nutrition and wellbeing

[1] The study conducted by YouGov Galaxy Research, polled a representative sample of 1,000 Australians, with respondents with children aged between 2-12 years answering questions regarding children’s health, nutrition and wellbeing