10 questions and answers about infant feeding

Teaching to eat is an educational act of the first order. For this reason, fathers and mothers should do their best to make this learning a joyous and satisfying experience. Ideally, they should be active and informed of basic dietary requirements, as well as how food is produced and processed. This process usually generates certain doubts, which I will try to resolve in this article.

To begin with, when preparing a menu for children, we must start from some basic fundamental principles of infant feeding (which are in line with Mediterranean cuisine):

Offer a wide diversity of products of plant origin: whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, vegetables, nuts and oilseeds. Prefer organically produced and local food.Start with food in its purest form and cook them at homeinstead of habitually resorting to ready-made products. Include some five daily servings of raw food (salads, sprouted seeds, fruits, fresh juices).Set a rhythm of five daily doses: three main and two support. Breakfast is an essential meal due to the energy requirements of the early hours of the day.Choose cooking methods that preserve nutrientssuch as steam, iron, boiled with little water or sautéed.

Obviously, adaptations can be made to the tastes of each family. exist family recipes passed down from generation to generation with a particular seal in each house. It is an opportunity to transmit this knowledge to our children, developing their creativity and the values ​​of collaboration and involvement in the nutrition bond.

By teaching them to respect a rhythm of meals no longer snack between meals, we show the value of the reward for waiting; while by offering them a wide variety of foods we educate them in the diversity of flavors. If responsible leisure and daily physical activity are added to this, children will assimilate a healthy lifestyle.

10 questions and answers about infant feeding

When should they eat as an adult?

From the age of two the family should share the menu, since the dietary balance is convenient for everyone. A diverse and healthy menu can be established without making arbitrary distinctions, even if the pieces are smaller or some foods are flattened.

How can you appreciate vegetables?

Vegetables must be part of the first porridge, made at home, so that they recognize its diversity of flavors and textures. They are offered in nice presentations, in moderate doses and “without complexes” so as not to inadvertently cause rejection.

Why are salads valuable?

Raw vegetables provide nutrients that are lost with heat, such as vitamins, enzymes, some antioxidants, and organic acids. You can start by offering a carrot, ideal for teething, or half a tomato seasoned with a few drops of olive oil.

What characterizes a balanced breakfast?

Whole grain cereal and a piece of fruit. For those who wake up hungry, it can consist of a vegetable yogurt with muesli and grated apple or whole-grain toast. If you are less hungry, a freshly squeezed juice with pollen and royal jelly; at mid-morning, a wholemeal sandwich with some almonds.​

Does eating at school influence dinner?

To balance the intakes of the day it is necessary to obtain dietary advice in addition to knowing the school menu. If at noon a high protein food such as meat has been taken, at night a dish rich in carbohydrates will be taken, such as rice or soup. It is a good time to offer salads.

What snacks are the healthiest?

The snack is ideal for eating fruit, whole or in fruit salad. Either wholemeal bread with avocado or homemade vegetable pate. Whole grain puffed pancakes can be given, as well as homemade muffins. Or resort to combinations of fruits and nuts, such as figs with walnuts or dates with almonds.

Do we tolerate cakes, snacks and sweets?

It is not very appropriate to prohibit any product to the letter, since the innate curiosity of children will lead them to try them. It is better to let them take them occasionally or perhaps in their organic versions. It is also important regularly offer healthy food with suggestive appearances.

Should they eat more fruit and fewer cookies?

The fruit is ideal when you need water and quick energy, such as after sports. You tend to snack on cookies, but fresh fruit beats any packaged product, including juice, and is cheaper.

How to expand the range of food?

The process of introducing new foods should be very gradual and playful, letting him touch food. The range is expanded by offering a variety of ingredients in small doses to accustom all flavors and not just sweet/salty. Chewing is promoted from the year on.

And if he tends not to finish his plate?

You have to distinguish between satiety and a tantrum, and make sure you don’t snack between meals and get enough physical activity. The snack could be exchanged for an early dinner. You should create an atmosphere of pleasant intimacy and congratulate him when he finishes a task, including eating.