Rosalee Brown
TIME IS usually an issue in the mornings. By the time some children pull themselves out of bed and get dressed, they are almost late for school; others may be disagreeable in the mornings and don't want to eat breakfast. Some parents are content if they can just get their young ones to eat even a 'little something'.
Young children like simple meals. So, parents should keep meals simple and child-friendly but don't sacrifice good nutrition. As much as possible, serve the foods children prefer while at the same time using this stage of life to slowly introduce new foods and methods of preparation.
DRINKS
Some children may only want a drink so use the many varieties of milk-based drinks on the market or make your own, blending in a piece of fruit or vegetable. Milk or soy and a piece of fruit and/or vegetable, can make a tasty liquid meal.
FRUIT AND CHEESE
Pieces of a favourite fruit with cheese or peanut butter can be a start for the problem eaters.
MUFFINS
Muffins can be baked, frozen, then thawed the night before eating. Serve with butter/cheese/ jam or peanut butter.
TUOTO
Very quick and easy, but only remains tender for a few days. Add grated coconut and some chopped nuts and serve with cheese, a milk-based drink or fruit juice.
DUMPLINGS
Enrich dumplings and fritters by adding grated cheese or small pieces of shredded vegetables, powdered milk, pieces of fish, etceteras, to the batter. So, if the children consume only fritters or dumplings they would be getting a balanced meal.
COLD CEREAL
Ready to eat cereals are a popular choice, but try to avoid the ones with a lot of added sugars and sodium. Use liquid/reconstituted powdered milk or soy instead of only condensed milk.
PORRIDGE
This is a traditional breakfast food and now there are many quick varieties available. Use some whole or skimmed milk or soy in addition to the sweetener. Condensed milk can be used as a sweetener but not as the only milk source.
SANDWICHES
There are a variety of fillings that can be used in sandwiches. Avoid high-fat, high-sodium meats.
LEFT-OVER DINNER
This can make a perfect breakfast if your children enjoy eating that type of food in the morning.
HEAVY JAMAICAN BREAKFAST
If parents have the time, these dishes make a perfect breakfast - callaloo, boiled bananas, dumplings, etceteras.
MAKE IT HEALTHY
When preparing breakfast, aim to include as much as possible foods from the six main food groups, that is, the staples which will include cereals and ground provisions, fruits, vegetables, food from animals and or peas and bean and adequate amounts of fats and oils. Remember, breakfast is a vital start to a child's day.
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritonist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health
Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
