Page 32 - Silver Lakes January Issue 2023

LIFESTYLE

TRY THESE

9 HEALTHY

SUBSTITUTES

FOR KIDS’

FAVOURITE

MEALS

etting children to eat healthy food can be a challenge,
so parents and caregivers often resort to tried-and-tested
Geasy meals. Unfortunately, many of these go-to meals
are high in sugar, high in unhealthy fats and calories, and low in
nutrients.

Dietician Mbali Mapholi is passionate about coming up with
creative solutions and tips to help kids get the nutrients they
need. She shares some delicious yet simple substitutes that
will help boost the nutrient intake of kids’ favourite meals, so
mealtimes can be a win-win for parents and kids.

“Being a parent and caregiver is difficult as you have to balance
the demands of work and home with the needs of young children,
and it’s often easier to resort to quick and easy meals. With the
rising cost of food, planning wholesome yet delicious meals is
even more challenging,” she says.

“Instead of eliminating popular foods entirely, you can try cutting
back on certain food items, and when you do offer them, try opting
for the healthiest choices possible. Finding the balance between
nourishment and fun foods that children love is important. It’s
vital to help them establish a healthy relationship with food from
an early age.”

Mapholi says it is important to use children’s food and beverage
choices as teaching moments: “Speak up when you see unhealthy
choices and direct children to healthier options. You can also
insist that they have a little of one thing, but not too much. Talk to
them about why an overly salty or heavily sugared snack is not the
best option, but avoid making them feel guilty about their food
or beverage choices. Trying new recipes and involving children in
meal preparations helps a lot in guiding them to choose a better
and healthier diet.”

Suggested recipes are available at www.joekels.co.za.

30 | INTRAMUROS JANUARY 2023