Written by: Julia Hop Hing, BASc. (c) Reviewed by: Mirieta Selimovska, MHSc. (c) The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) announced 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables! With so many different varieties available and their abundance of health benefits, it’s important to expose children to fruits and vegetables of different colours, shapes, and tastes. This will help grow their awareness and knowledge at an early age. There are plenty of ways to encourage children to try different fruits and vegetables. Here are a few fun activities: 1. Sorting game. Gather fruits and vegetables from your kitchen...
Making Fruits & Vegetables Fun!
Kids In The Kitchen: So Many Benefits!
The cooler weather has many families spending more time indoors. Take advantage of this opportunity and invite your kids into the kitchen to cook or bake with you! It’s a great way to teach them about food literacy, to grow their life skills, and to gain some quality time together.
Fuel Up With Oats
Written by: Julia Hop Hing, BASc. (c) Reviewed by: Mirieta Selimovska, MHSc. (c) Oats make for a nutritious meal or snack at any time of day. Whole grain oats are easy to find and are packed full of nutrients! There’s a lot to prepare and adapt to with this year’s school scheduling, and establishing a nutritious morning routine is no exception! A healthy, balanced breakfast is a great way to help children kick-start their mornings and be fuelled for their busy days ahead. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain oats, are an important component of a nutritious breakfast. They’re found in...
Eating Well With Food Allergies
Written by: Julia Hop Hing, BASc. (c) Reviewed by: Mirieta Selimovska, MHSc. (c) As a parent, getting your child to eat a balanced variety of foods may sometimes be challenging, but what about when they have food allergies? Food allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to specific proteins in food. Below is a list of Health Canada’s 11 common food allergens and some of their alternatives to consider in the aim to keep mealtimes safe, nutritious, and enjoyable. Tip: food labels are required to list priority food allergens in their common terms, so reading them can help to prevent allergic...
Enjoy More Fruit and Vegetables!
Written by: Mirieta Selimovska, MHSc Reviewed by: Lisa Mina, RD As part of a balanced meal, fruit and vegetables offer us important vitamins and minerals that we need to stay healthy. They can help lower one’s risk of developing some cancers and heart disease, as well as better manage weight. Having them on hand helps to make nutritious meals an easier option. Here are three tips: Choose fresh when possible. Fresh produce helps to add a variety in texture to meals. Support food producers in your community by buying fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season. Check out the Availability Guide...