Toddler & Child Archives | Annabel Karmel

Everything you need to know about Strep A

Lara Karmel — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:46:19 +0000

Parents are understandably worried about Group A strep considering the recent devastating cases in the UK. Whilst the bacterial infection has always existed, we seem to have an alarmingly high number of cases for this time of year. However, NHS GP, The Mail on Sunday health columnist Dr Ellie Cannon has reassured parents that severe cases are incredibly rare and that we haven’t yet surpassed the amount we’d expect in a normal year. The concern is not necessarily how many cases, but rather the timing of them happening before the peak of winter.

There are a host of explanations for why this could be happening including reduced immunity in children due to social distancing and changes in weather, however Dr Ellie reassures that most children who have Group A strep will develop a mild version of the illness, less likely the invasive kind. You can find out more about her parental advice in her new book Keep Calm The New Mum’s Manual.

Here’s everything you need to know about the invasive Group A strep and what to look out for:

WHAT IS STREP A

Strep A is bacteria found in the throat and skin that causes different infections.

Some of the illnesses caused by Strep A are Scarlet Fever, tonsilitis, impetigo and invasive Group A Strep.

Most people will have a mild, non-invasive form of it and have no idea or suffer any symptoms.

THE SYMPTOMS OF INVASIVE STREP A

Sore throat
Rash
Muscle aches
High temperature (five days of a temperature over 38)
Changes to breathing
Swollen glands
Extreme shivering
Drowsiness
Cold to the touch
Mottled skin

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Step A is spread through close contact i.e coughs, sneezes, physical contact, and shared drinking and eating utensils.

There are sometimes outbreaks in places of close contact like schools and nursing homes.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Most cases are mild. However, there is a risk of developing more invasive illnesses such as Scarlet Fever, tonsilitis, impetigo and invasive Group A Strep (where bacteria invades the body for example the blood or the lungs.)

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

If you suspect your little one has invasive Strep A then immediately call 999 or take your child to A&E.

Step A is treated by antibiotics.

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10 healthy & nutritious lunchbox ideas

Lara Karmel — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 07:44:23 +0000

A new school term calls for fresh ideas to boost brainpower and feed imaginations!

We all know how important it is for little learners to stay fuelled on the right foods to support their development, so it’s time to refresh those lunchboxes with a host of energy-boosting recipes from Annabel’s kitchen.

But healthy eating doesn’t have to stop at the school gate; we’ve got lots of brand new simple and healthy recipes for after school snacks and midweek meals.

This new school term, let’s liven up those lunchboxes, shake-up snack time, and put the ‘mmm’ into midweek meals.

Here are my Top 10 delicious & nutritious lunchbox fillers for you to try this Back to School season!

Chicken, Tomato & Veggie Stars

These chicken, tomato & veggie stars will be the star of any mealtime. Not only do they pass the kiddie taste test, but they contain a whole lot of goodness. Filled with lots of hidden vegetables, even the most discerning little veggie-phobe will be none the wiser! These colourful and flavourful stars are perfect for batch cooking and stocking in the freezer for a rainy day – or simply for when you’re lacking food inspiration.

Turkey & Vegetable Rice Salad

This Piccolo cherry tomato and turkey rice salad is so delicious your little one will be sure to gobble it up! Packed with protein from the lean turkey and delicious (and nutritious) tomatoes, this hearty yet healthy salad is guaranteed to become your new tomato go-to.

Veggie Packed Frittata Muffins 4-ways

These frittata muffins are so simple to make and very versatile, making them the ideal recipe for using up leftovers. With four different flavour combinations to choose from, there’s a frittata muffin here for everyone!

Chicken, Tomato & Corn Fritters

You won’t want to fritter away any more time not making these delicious chicken, sweetcorn and tomato buttermilk fritters. This is the perfect quick and easy meal to use up that leftover roast chicken from the weekend!

Macaroni & Cheese Muffins

The kids will love these Macaroni & Cheese Muffins, a creative way of cooking mac and cheese! Macaroni is baked with a cheese sauce in muffin tins. Allow the muffins to cool a little before serving to let the cheese set.

Cheese & Cherry Tomato Muffins

After a busy morning, hungry (or should we say ‘hangry’) tums will snap-up my savoury little muffins. Batch cooking at its best!

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Budget-friendly recipes for a healthy, balanced diet

Lara Karmel — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:38:38 +0000

Budget-Friendly Recipes for a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Rising costs have led to most of us feeling the pinch in many aspects of life, and now they’re affecting what our kids are being served at school. I was shocked and disheartened by this BBC article that revealed that rising food prices have resulted in some school catering bodies making the difficult decision to reduce, and in some cases, remove food staples such as beef from the menu.

The dispiriting news stated that substitutes are being made for more expensive cuts of meats, and that even the fruit and veg being served to our little ones isn’t off limits!

When we think of school and nursery menus, we think of hearty burgers or the trusty lasagne, but with the news that the cost of minced beef has risen by 11% in the past few days, we may have to wave goodbye to these, crucially, iron-rich meals as regular fixtures.

In a further bid to combat rising costs, imported cheaper cuts and processed meats are being used as an alternative to homegrown meat, as well as turkey meat being served in lieu of more expensive chicken. Even the humble potato will potentially play a less pivotal role in school meals due to a hike in prices (with 10kg of prepared potatoes rising from £10.46 to £15.50) as a result of rising fertiliser and fuel costs.

With pantry basics such as oil, pasta, fish and frozen veg which have taken the worst hit, caterers are reporting weekly fluctuations and increases of 20-30% for a host of products.

The report also indicates that, devastatingly, rising costs prompted by the pandemic, war in Ukraine and burgeoning fuel prices, have also had a knock-on effect on staff budgeting in school kitchens, further reducing the quality (and quantity) of meals on offer.

This is particularly alarming when you consider that in some cases free school meals can be a child’s only significant meal of the day and therefore make up the bulk of their nutritional intake.

A varied and versatile school menu also presents a great opportunity for little ones to be adventurous and explore new foods that they might not have otherwise tried at home.

With costs outrunning funding at a time when a hot meal at school can be life-affirming for families, this is a real problem that needs to be addressed now.

It’s for this reason that I have rounded up some budget-friendly recipes that won’t break the bank and will ensure that, despite less accessibility of beef and minced meat, your child is getting enough iron.

Despite how it might currently seem, there are cost-efficient ways to ensure your little one is hitting their nutritional targets, especially when it comes to the all-important iron found in beef.

Why do I need to pair vitamin C with iron?

Did you know that vitamin C aids iron absorption? By pairing iron containing foods with a vitamin C rich food it will help with the absorption of iron. This is particularly important for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

As most know, iron is essential for your little one’s brain development, especially from six months when the iron inherited from a baby’s mother runs out. Iron deficiency in children is a common problem and can have a profound effect on learning in later life, so it’s important that children of all ages are consuming adequate amounts, accompanied with Vitamin C to promote its absorption.

Here are my top iron-laden and budget-friendly recipes for a healthy, balanced diet

Plant-Based Veggie Croquettes

Easy to pick up with a soft texture & crispy coating, my Plant-Based Veggie Croquettes are packed with hidden veggies. A perfect finger food for babies & older kids too. You can make ahead & freeze them once cooked.

Tofu & Veggie Bites

Tofu can get a bit of a bad rep on the flavour charts due to its natural plainness. However, the beauty of this versatile soy product is that it absorbs flavour like a sponge. So, tofu can be to-fun to cook with! What’s more, tofu is a source of ‘complete’ plant protein & protective antioxidants If you are keen to try more plant-based recipes with your family, then these supercharged Tofu & Veggie Bites are a must on your finger food recipe repertoire! Its super easy and a great addition to your little ones lunchbox. For more finger food recipe click here.

Veggie Frittata Muffins

Little ones and grown-ups need to refuel, so these Veggie Frittata Muffins are a nutritious, quick and easy recipe that you and your tot can enjoy together. One recipe for both means less cooking and washing-up for you, and more time spent eating good food together. Eggs are full of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, folate, iodine and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, so provide a nutritious and delicious meal at any time of the day. British Lion eggs are the only eggs approved by the Food Standards Agency to be served runny to babies, young children, pregnant women and the elderly, so always look for the Lion mark on egg shells and packs – you can find them in your favourite supermarket. Click here for more egg recipes to enjoy with your growing family. This recipe is suitable from 8+ months.

Tasty Meatless Bolognese

A rich, hearty & tasty meatless bolognese which utilises pea based protein mince for a boost – easy to knock up in a single pot!

Carrot, Coconut & Raisin Bites

These make the perfect healthy finger food for little ones. They contain no refined sugar and the natural sweetness comes from the dates, carrots and raisins.

Popeye Pasta

This pasta dish contains spinach which is a great source of various vitamins. Mixing tiny pasta shapes into your baby’s food is also a good way to add texture to encourage your baby to eat more lumpy food. Try my organic pasta with this dish! This recipe is from my Complete Baby & Toddler Meal Planner book.

Vegetable Fusilli

A tasty quick vegetable pasta dish. The light cheesy sauce couldn’t be easier simply mix together some vegetable stock, crème fraiche and parmesan.

Lovely Lentils

This Lovely Lentils recipe is sweet, soft & smooth for babies. It’s easy to make & is packed full of vital nutrients to help them grow up strong.

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Top foodie tips for boosting yours and your child’s immune system

Lara Karmel — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:51:06 +0000

If there’s anything that we’ve learnt from the past two years, it’s that we can’t underestimate the importance of a strong and healthy immune system. Nutritional deficiencies can make us more susceptible to viruses, so eating well is paramount when building a robust and thriving immune system!

Here are my top tips to keep those pesky viruses at bay!

TASTE THE RAINBOW

Variety is key – by including an array of foods in your diet, including plenty of vibrant and fresh fruit and vegetables, you give yourself a strong fighting chance to avoid getting unwell!

Up your 5-a-day with my fruit & veg ice lollies. Click here for the recipe.

AVOID PROCESSED FOOD

Unfortunately, many shop-bought products are highly processed and loaded with sugar. These sugary, additive-rich foods can destroy your white blood cell’s ability to resist infections for several hours so it’s best to avoid them during this time.

Try my No-sugar Chocolate Orange Energy Balls for a healthy alternative. Click here for the recipe.

VITAMIN C FOR THE WIN

Most people turn to oranges for vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold, and that’s because they’re great at helping build up your immune system – so get chomping on Vitamin C-rich carrots, oranges, and leafy veg!

Try my Carrot Puree with Lentils to up your little one’s vitamin C. Click here for the recipe.

BRILLIANT BROCCOLI

Broccoli is a true superfood and one of the healthiest veg you can eat. It’s packed with vitamins A, C & E as well as many antioxidants. The key to preserving the nutrients is to cook it for only a few minutes.

For all my Broccoli recipes click here.

TERRIFIC TOMATOES

Tomatoes are another great option as they contain the 3 major antioxidant vitamins – beta carotene, vitamin C and E – which help boost the immune system.

Try my warming Roasted Tomato Soup. Get the recipe here.

BUST THOSE BLUES WITH BLUEBERRIES

These little berries are immune boosting superfoods. Blueberries contain flavonoids a type of antioxidant that can help reduce damage to cells. They are also rich in vitamins C & A.

Give your little one a boost with this delicious purple porridge for breakfast. Get the recipe here.

POPEYE WAS ON TO SOMETHING

Spinach is not just rich in vitamin C but is also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene which helps boost our immune system – best when only lightly cooked.

Try my Popeye pasta packed with spinach. Get the recipe here.

SUPERFOOD SALMON

Salmon provides the body with lots of immune-boosting omega-3s and are a great source of protein to help combat a weak immune system.

Try my delicious Salmon Fishcakes, packed with Omega 3. Get the recipe here.

EGGSLENT EGGS

Eggs are full of protein, iron, and vitamin A which all help boost the immune system – an ideal snack or mealtime idea!

Try my Veggie Frittata Muffins are a nutritious, quick, and easy recipe that you and your tot can enjoy together. Get the recipe here.

HYDRATION IS KEY

Remember much of our body is made of water, so drink up and stay hydrated! Try to avoid sugar-filled fizzy drinks, instead, try these infused waters. Get the recipe here.

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Rich in flavour, zero salt family recipes

Lara Karmel — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 08:01:37 +0000

I’ve teamed up with Knorr to launch #KnorrFamilyFlavours using their history-making #KnorrZeroSalt range of stock cubes. These pioneering stock cubes have all the flavour but no added salt.

Whether you’re a dab hand or just aspiring to do more scratch cooking, you’ll know that Knorr’s stock cubes are a kitchen staple. But as delicious, nutritious, and necessary that stock cubes are, added salt can be problematic for your family.

Knorr has worked hard to develop the perfect blend of herbs and spices without you having to worry about your family’s sodium intake and I’m delighted to incorporate them into these delicious recipes!

Knorr Zero Salt Stock Cubes are now available to buy in Boots in-store and online!

Penne Pasta with Orange Tomatoes & Squash

#CheatOnMeat this Monday with this creamy Penne Pasta with Orange Tomatoes & Squash packed with flavour from one of Knorr’s Zero Salt Veggie Stock Cubes. These tasty cubes are carefully crafted using a blend of herbs & spices without any added salt, making them the perfect base for family meals. Knorr’s Zero Salt stock cube range are now available to purchase at Boots online.

Minestrone Soup

This marvellous Minestrone Soup recipe is bursting with veg and full of flavour.

Leek & Mushroom Puff Pastry Pie

Cheating on meat cannot get easier, or tastier, than this Leek & Mushroom Puff Pastry Pie. Plus, the whole family can tuck into this creamy cosy classic using Knorr’s Zero Salt Veggie Stock Cubes, which deliver on flavour without adding any salt. Knorr’s Zero Salt stock cube range are now available to purchase at Boots online.

Vegetable Risotto & Arancini Balls

Arancini, hailing from Sicily, are deliciously cheesy balls of risotto rice gently fried to create a crispy outside. These Vegetable Risotto & Arancini Balls are bursting with flavour without the added salt, so the whole family can tuck in!

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Annabel’s Top 10 Finger Food Recipes

Lara Karmel — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 11:32:32 +0000

These finger food recipes are easy to make and tasty and convenient for when you’re on the go. There are so many combinations you can try. From sweet to savoury, veggie to energy balls, cast your eyes on my top ten ball finger food recipes for some fun weaning snack inspiration!

Annabel’s award-winning Baby & Toddler Recipe App

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Annabel's top 10 finger food recipes

Chicken & Veggie Shapes

A great recipe for using up leftover chicken, turkey or beef. These Chicken & Veggie shapes are loaded with veggies & are super easy to freeze.

Plant-Based Veggie Croquettes

Tofu & Veggie Bites

Salmon & Veggie Bites

If you ever find yourself with leftover mashed potato, this Salmon & Veggie Bites recipe might just be your new go-to! Salmon contains many essential nutrients for babies and children including, omega-3 essential fatty acids so aim to feed your little ones two portions of fish per week to keep them swimming along nicely!

Egg Free Chicken & Veggie Bites

Did you know that an allergy to eggs is much more common in young children than in adults? This is because most children outgrow an allergy to eggs. Parents often ask me for egg-free recipe inspiration, so here is a fantastic finger food idea. Whether your baby has an allergy, or you don’t eat eggs by choice, these yummy Egg Free Chicken & Veggie Bites are packed full of goodness and are perfect for little hands and taste buds. Its super easy and a great addition to your little ones lunchbox. For more egg-free recipes click here.

Salmon & Broccoli Croquettes

Nutritionally speaking, salmon & broccoli are two food heroes. These Salmon & Broccoli Croquettes are a tasty way to make sure your little one has a good supply of essential fatty acids and those all important greens.

No-Sugar Chocolate Orange Energy Balls

These No-Sugar Chocolate Orange Energy Balls are a healthy twist on a chocolate truffle – sweet-toothed tots who think they’re raiding the chocolate box will be none the wiser! This is an exclusive recipe from Annabel’s recipe book: Real Food Kids Will Love.

Chicken, Quinoa, Apple & Sage Balls

Two for the price of one! Transform my Chicken, Quinoa, Apple & Sage Balls into a smooth or textured purée. I love cooking with sage as it adds a real depth of flavour to recipes.

Mini Energy Balls

Try these delicious Mini Energy Balls. They make a healthy snack and are ideal to give you or your child a mid-morning or afternoon energy boost. Its super easy and a great addition to your little ones lunchbox.

Broccoli, Chicken & Potato Bites

These Broccoli, Chicken & Potato Bites make a great soft finger food for little ones. A yummy combination of flavours to please your gurgling gourmet.

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Beat rising food prices with Annabel’s money saving tips for family cooking

Lara Karmel — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 11:02:53 +0000

Providing for our families can be challenging at the best of times, but throw a global pandemic, inflation, and increased costs of living into the mix and it’s enough to get you into a stew. But fret not, there are many ways to cut costs not quality and feed the family on a budget, including batch-cooking hearty, staple meals… like stew incidentally!

Batch cook

You can cook up a big meal at the beginning of the week and freeze the remainder so that it remains fresh for longer. If you can, double up the ingredients in your family meals and freeze one half for another day – this will save you both money and time!

Plan meals & make a list

Before you even head to the shops, make a list. Note down what you already have in the fridge and cupboards, so you don’t double up on ingredients. If you can, try and plan your recipes or meals for the week (starting with recipes that will make the most of those ingredients you’ve already got to use up) so you know exactly what items to head for. And remember – stick to your list – those impulse buys and little ‘extras’ soon add up! Meal planning will help you get organised, and you’ll start the week feeling more relaxed, plus, getting prepped will pay off as you’ll waste less and save money – win, win!

Make the most of meat

When shopping, don’t overlook cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs, which in fact contain more iron than chicken breasts and are perfect for stir-fries (these are excellent value for money!)

Alternatively, I find roasting a chicken at the beginning of the week to be helpful, as you can create lots of nutritious and delicious meals off the back of this. Use the bones to make a hearty chicken soup and the meat to make salads, chicken burgers, sandwich fillings or even to bulk out pasta and risotto dishes.

Maximising leftovers

Make sure that you don’t pre-emptively throw out fresh fruit and vegetables when they are starting to look a bit sorry for itself. A blender is your best friend when it comes to making the most of your fruit and vegetable leftovers, and smoothies and soups will be your go-to. Savoury muffins and frittatas are also a fantastic base for using up any vegetables that you’ve got left at the end of the week and making it go further!

Don’t forget the freezer

I often find that frozen food can be seen as inferior to fresh which is just not true! In fact, frozen fruit and veg are often cheaper and more nutritious as they’re picked and harvested at their peak with all that goodness locked in. By buying frozen it’ll last longer and you’re less likely to waste food this way too.

Everyday (and cheaper) superfoods

Some so-claimed ‘superfoods’ can really hike up the cost of your weekly shop. But everyday foods such as broccoli and spring greens are equally and nutritious and not-to-mention far more affordable. In fact, broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense foods around! When it comes to grains, quinoa is hailed as the shining star, but bulgur wheat is cheaper and contains many of the same essential proteins, vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants.

Seasonal for the win

Keep an eye on what’s in season each month and seek out these ingredients. It encourages us to shop and support local, plus, in-season fruit and veg is often cheaper too. Why not visit a farmer’s market and teach younger family members about the different colourful in-season produce you see or have a family day out strawberry picking? If you don’t have a farmer’s market near you then keep an eye out for wonky or so-called ‘imperfect’ fruit and vegetables which are often sold at a reduced price, or alternatively make sure to check the discount bins for any low-priced, value items!

Stock up on staples

A well-stocked store cupboard of cans and tins means you can still cook-up a healthy nutritious dinner for the whole family on the cheap. After all, it takes no time at all to create a quick tinned tomato-based sauce for pasta or use a tin of chickpeas to make a veggie curry, mini falafels, burgers, or a quick hummus. Beans and pulses are fantastic as they are so versatile, affordable and they are packed with nutrients including iron, protein and zinc to name a few and they also count towards your 5-a-day.

I completely understand that the prospect of feeding your family balanced, nutritious meals day-in-day-out without costing an arm and a leg may feel like an impossible feat. However, if you follow these tips, you’ll soon be able to meal plan for the week on a budget…with your eyes closed!

I think that despite the adversity we have collectively faced in the last couple of years, rather than causing disconnect, it has in fact served to unite and bring families closer together with stronger bonds. This was part of my motivation to create my latest book ‘Fun, Fast & Easy Children’s Cookbook’ which I cooked up to get families in the kitchen creating delicious, affordable meals (and not to mention memories) together!

Save time & money with Annabel's new cookbook!

Annabel’s Fun, Fast & Easy Children’s Cookbook is the brand-new kitchen companion for young children and the whole family from international best-selling author, Annabel Karmel. Filled with easy-to-make recipes, fascinating foodie facts, cooking tips and kitchen tricks, this is the essential guide to get kids in the kitchen. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients and complete with simple step-by-step instructions, it’s the perfect way to teach children essential kitchen skills and develop a life-long love of good food.

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Perfect pasta dishes for baby, toddler & family

Lara Karmel — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 11:06:40 +0000

Pasta is a family staple for good reason – not only is it delicious and pastably one of the easiest and quickest things to make, but it’s also packed with fibre, protein and a host of other nutritional benefits.

Tuck into these delicious and oh-so-saucy pasta dishes that count towards your 5-a-day – see, the pastabilities are endless!

Try these scrummy recipes to tide you and your little one over at lunchtime, dinnertime or even as an energy-boosting midday snack. Trust us, they definitely pasta the taste test!

Annabel’s award-winning Baby & Toddler Recipe App

Your ultimate feeding tool for babies, toddlers and the whole family with 1000+ simple and nutritious recipes, plus a host of helpful features and new recipes to your phone every week.

Special Offer! Save 50%

Just £5.99 for 3 months with code AK50

Try for 7 days for FREE

Rigatoni Pasta Bake with Tomatoes & Mozzarella

This baked rigatoni recipe is pasta tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce, then topped with plenty of cheese and baked until golden brown. A super easy dinner option that’s great for feeding a crowd!

Vroom Vroom Veggie-packed Bolognese

After a busy day, this is the perfect way to recharge your batteries. Plus, it’s packed with lots of good-for-you veggies. Get. Set. Go! *EXCLUSIVE RECIPE* from Annabel’s New Cookbook: Fun, Fast & Easy Children’s Cookbook. OUT NOW.

Tuna Fusilli in a Tasty Tomato Sauce

Most kids love pasta and this easy to make Tuna Fish Fusilli dish will not disappoint. Made with fresh ingredients it is a tasty and healthy option including the excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids contained in the Tuna.

Pasta Shells with Tomato & Mascarpone Sauce

This Pasta Shells with Tomato & Mascarpone Sauce recipe is a simple and delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for babies and toddlers. For another perfect pasta dish for little ones, next try this Baby Chicken & Pea Carbonara

Annabel’s Super-Fuel Veggie Fusilli

Need good food fast? Annabel’s Super-Fuel Veggie Fusilli is easy to prepare and passes the taste test with flying colours. There’s no easier way towards your family’s 5-a-day, and with Annabel’s deliciously light cheese sauce, it’s a staple you’ll want to whip-up time and time again.

Annabel’s Mighty Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Annabel’s Mighty Mac ‘N’ Cheese recipe definitely deserves its title. Supercharged with broccoli and sweetcorn, this creamy creation with a crunchy topping is the best fuel for your family – young and old! For another healthy & delicious pasta dish, try Annabel’s Super-Fuel Veggie Fusilli

Popeye Pasta

Baby’s First Bolognese Sauce

Red meat is rich in iron, which is important for supporting your baby’s growth and immune system. This recipe for Baby’s First Bolognese Sauce is a great option to help up your little one’s iron intake during weaning.

Meatball Pasta Bake

Family favourite alert! For this Meatball Pasta Bake recipe, cook some mighty meatballs & nestle them inside spirals of tomato pasta for a hearty supper.

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Autism and Eating: How can your child’s ASD impact their diet?

Madeleine Usher — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 14:25:54 +0000

As a parent of a child with autism there are many challenges you may face. Supporting them socially, ensuring school are meeting their needs and educating others on how your child sees the world around them. One of the more unnerving challenges is around eating. As a parent/caregiver it is a basic need of ours to want to ensure our children are well fed and watered – its instinctive.

But what can we do when dinner time becomes a battleground? Many children with ASD struggle with eating and many will choose a restrictive diet, one that isn’t always meeting their body’s needs. How are parents do we navigate this? Helping our children grow, whilst considering their thoughts and feelings on food.

Firstly, we need to consider how their ASD changes the experience of eating for them. A prime cause of issues with food for children with ASD is the sensory experience eating presents. Try to think of a meal as a series of textures, sensations, smells and visuals. Then try to consider how it must feel if, due to sensory issues, certain textures are uncomfortable, smells unbearable and sensations painful. Therefore, we often see children selecting a bland diet, seemingly tasteless beige food – because the level of sensory output from the foods is small.

Second, the environment in which we eat can be an off-putting scenario for a child with autism. Consider the loud, unruly school canteen or a bustling restaurant. These places can be overwhelming for children with ASD and push them further away from wanting to eat. Also, consider the social element of eating. For someone with social communication issues, sitting down for a meal can be a worrisome event.

The visual experience of food can also be a challenge for children with ASD. We have all had experiences when a meal does not look appealing. Imagine how this must feel with someone with autism. Even down to finer details, changes in packaging design for example can be off putting.

Another issue for children with a restrictive diet can be the pain and discomfort it causes. Eating only one or two types of food and not getting a balanced diet can result in constipation, weight loss, or gain or sickness. This pain then reinforces a child’s dislike of eating.

So, what can we do to support children with autism in eating a balanced diet? The SEN Expert has been working with Emma, a Children’s Dietitian designing content to support parents in making supportive, healthy choices for their children. Here are some of her recommendations for activities that help your child form a more positive relationship with food.

Discover New Foods

It can take up to thirty attempts to like a new food. Try to expose your child to a new food each day. Ask them to help with baking and get messy! Or perhaps cut up some fruit, such as a banana, and let them feed it to you!

Explore a Rainbow of Food Colours

Ask your child to pick their favourite colour and visit a supermarket.

Encourage them to choose a new food to try in that colour. It can be sweet or savoury. But remember, there’s no pressure for them to eat that new food on day one. Initially, it’s more about getting them used to the smell, texture, and appearance.

Imaginative Messy Play

Messy Play is fantastic for introducing food in a non-pressured environment. Your child could play with cars in dry pasta and rice, make mountains with flour, or set up a teddy bear’s picnic and add fruit to the teddies’ plates.

Divider Plates and Funky Cutters

It’s worth getting some fun divider plates, as children tend to like the idea of keeping new foods separate from their tried and tested favourites! There are also some great sandwich and vegetable cutters available online. These make food more fun and interesting for kids.

Edible Adventures

Make the process of buying and cooking food an adventure. Plan a trip to a farmers’ market. Let kids weigh and price fruit and vegetables. Once home, maybe try a blindfolded food challenge and a taste test. Also consider the process of eating, eat with chopsticks just for fun or choose a theme night and try a new cuisine.

So, what can parents do to get support for their child? Firstly, seek out the support of a dietician. They can look at whether your child’s diet is providing all the nutrients they need. Give advice on supplements and give you practical advice on reducing your child’s anxiety. If you would like to see a dietician, you have several options. You can request a referral from your GP or work with a private dietician. Emma from Dietitian with a Difference offers support to many families, her website www.dietitianwithadifference.co.uk is a great place to start.

The SEN Expert is a Special Educational Needs consultancy service with a difference. We offer support for families, children, and schools to navigate the complex world of SEN.

Check out our full list of services at our website www.thesenexpert.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @senexpert for daily advice on special educational needs.

The post Autism and Eating: How can your child’s ASD impact their diet? appeared first on Annabel Karmel.

The perfect pair: why hitting your child’s Vitamin D and Calcium intake is so important.

Lara Karmel — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:02:19 +0000

Getting your child to eat anything you put in front of them is a serious feat. Not to mention the added worry of them reaching their recommended vitamin intake. However, fret not, hitting nutritional targets can be as easy Vitamins A, B, C…and D.

While many parents may know that Vitamin D and Calcium are important for children’s development, few are aware that they work most effectively when consumed together. Did you know, Vitamin D’s role in calcium absorption helps our little ones avoid brittle bones, weak muscles, and impaired nerves?[1]

But why do we need calcium? Well, it helps build and maintain healthy bones and supports various bodily functions such as blood clotting and muscle contraction. Superstar Vitamin D also plays a big role in our bone health, by promoting bone growth and strength, and helping calcium to work its magic. However, unfortunately for us in Blighty, the main source of Vitamin D is from the sun, which means it’s crucial we get it via our diets or supplements.

There is a reason it’s called the “sunshine vitamin” after all!

Fortunately, there are many food sources containing Vitamin D, including egg yolks, fatty-fish and fortified milk and cereals. And we all know that calcium can be found in dairy, tofu, soybeans, and many leafy vegetables to name but a few.

It’s all very well knowing where to find the vitamins, but most parents would agree that getting your child to eat them is the challenging part. This is where I’m here to help! I’ve partnered with Warburtons to develop some delicious and nutritious recipes to help your little one grow strong and healthy bones. Check out my three delicious, lunch-box friendly recipes below. I’ve also popped a few ideas below on Vitamin D and calcium food sources that you can refer back to for inspiration.

[1] Rutgers

High Calcium food sources:

Fortified cereal
Canned sardines in oil with edible bones
Cheddar cheese
Non-fat or low-fat milk
Plain, low-fat, yogurt
Soybeans
Tofu
Canned salmon in oil with edible bones
Turnip greens, collards, kale, mustard greens
Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy
Black-eyed peas, black beans, dried beans

High Vitamin D food sources:

Egg yolks
Wild caught fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
Fish liver oils
Beef liver
Fortified milk, orange juice, and soy milk
Fortified cereal

VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM RICH RECIPES

Veggie Omelette Toasties

Kids’ energy levels flagging after school or nursery? Here’s my oh-so-simple omelette toastie recipe to have up your sleeve! Its super easy and even a great addition to your little ones lunchbox. Eggs have plenty of protein and when served in vitamin D and calcium enriched bread thins, they make for a cracking afternoon boost.

Mini Ploughman’s Bento

Now here’s a funky twist on traditional pub grub! Take the humble Ploughman’s to the school canteen with my yummy bento box! Swap crusty bread for tasty thins enriched with Vitamin D and calcium, and cut everything up into little chunks for fun finger food! Simply pack up with a cut-up hard-boiled egg and apple slices for a truly British lunch. A little tip! To stop cut-up apple from browning, simply wrap a rubber band around the sliced apple put back together.

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Toddler snack time

Phil Carlsson — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 17:34:56 +0000

Your toddler-nado is a whirl of high energy at this stage in their development, so it’s a good idea to give your little one three meals a day. Toddler snacks are a good idea if they are at regular times and aren’t given too often or just before meals.

Stick to healthy foods and don’t let your child graze throughout the day. We are a nation of fussy eaters, and continuously giving children snacks and not allowing them to get hungry is part of the problem.

Good snacks include fruit or vegetable slices, baby rice cakes, dried fruit, bread sticks and cheese. It’s a good idea to have some of these ready in the fridge, so you have something to hand when you’re faced with a hungry toddler. If you cut up a few carrots and put them in cold water in an airtight container, they will last for several days.

Good snacks include fruit or vegetable slices, baby rice cakes, dried fruit, bread sticks and cheese. Have a snack stash prepped in the fridge so you have something to hand when hunger strikes.

Enjoying regular healthy snacks is a good habit to get your child into and can instil a love of healthy food early on. That isn’t to say that chocolate and biscuits should be banned; forbidding something can make more tempting. But if your child isn’t used to having regular sugary snacks, she isn’t likely to miss them if they aren’t there. Plus, if you don’t have these things in the house as standard, they become much more of a treat – it also stops you from eating them! Children pick up habits from their parents, so if they see you feasting on chocolate, they will want some too.

Annabel's Favourite Toddler Snack Recipes:

Banana, Carrot and Raisin Loaf

Everyone loves banana bread. This Banana, Carrot and Raisin Loaf makes a sweet and satisfying breakfast or snack perfect for packed lunches. This is a delicious treat and a great way to use up overripe bananas.

Mini Piccolo Cherry Tomato & Cheese Muffins

If you’re looking for new ways to ‘super-fry’ your baby’s snacks then look no further than my Mini Piccolo Cherry Tomato & Cheese Muffins. You can also freeze these when cooked. Click here for more marvellous muffin recipes!

Vegan Cherry & Chia Seed Balls

You can make delicious nutritious sweet snacks without refined sugar and these Cherry & Chia Seed Balls are so easy to prepare. Simply pop all of the ingredients into a food processor, give it a whizz then get rolling!

Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Babies love the flavour of these baked Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges. Roasting sweet potato intensifies the natural sweetness. Make sure they are cut large enough for a child to hold easily in their fist so that one end sticks out.

Mini Energy Balls

Chicken & Apple Balls

One of Annabel’s most popular recipes, these Chicken & Apple Balls are perfect for the whole family and can be served hot or cold.

The post Toddler snack time appeared first on Annabel Karmel.

Why eggs are so good for your growing family?

Madeleine Usher — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 14:03:18 +0000

Eggs are good for us and our little ones but what is it that makes them one of the best natural sources of goodness?

Vital Vitamin D

Sunshine helps our bodies to make Vitamin D (also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’). But when the sun hasn’t got its hat on, it’s easy to miss out on this essential vitamin.

Few foods naturally contain Vitamin D. But eggs are one of the best natural sources, with Vitamin D in the yolk. But why does Vitamin D matter? Calcium and phosphorus are essential for making your bones grow properly and to keep them healthy. Vitamin D helps your body to use calcium and phosphorus effectively, and without enough of it, bones can become weak.

Packing-in Protein

Protein helps us grow, heal and fight off illness, and eggs aren’t just rich in protein; they’re rich in digestible, efficient, digestible, high-quality protein, including all the amino acids you need to keep healthy. And that’s why we advise getting cracking from the start of your baby’s weaning journey at around six months.

Good Fats

The great thing about eggs is that they’re jam-packed with the nutrients, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats your body needs to stay healthy and work properly – but relatively low in calories. Super-nutritious they will help fill tummies up for longer, fuelling their day.

There isn’t a limit on the number of eggs you or your baby or child can eat. However, once you have introduced eggs at around six months, the government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition advises that eggs should then be included regularly (for example, at least once per week) in order to ensure that your baby continues to tolerate them.

Yummy Egg Yolks

Egg yolks contain vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin B2. They help to keep your skin, eyes, blood, immune system, nervous system, and metabolism nice and healthy. They also have plenty of folates, which are needed for your blood and immune system and especially important for mums-to-be!

Egg yolks also contain important minerals like phosphorus, iodine, and selenium which help to keep your body healthy, beneficial polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and essential omega-3 fatty acids that help to look after your heart, brain, and eyesight.

For more information visit www.egginfo.co.uk

And check out our egg recipes for weaning, baby and family here.

Food plays an integral role in the development of your little one’s brain. Like the body, the brain absorbs nutrients from the food we eat. Check out this article, as we run through our favourite brain foods for kids. Obviously eggs are right up there at the top of the list but what else makes for great brain food for kids. Foods to boost your child’s brainpower.

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Foods to boost your child’s brainpower

Madeleine Usher — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:52:26 +0000

We’re all about fuelling children with the best nourishment for busy days of play, learning and development. Food plays an integral role in the development of your little one’s brain. Like the body the brain absorbs nutrients from the food we eat. In this article, we run through our favourite brain foods for kids!

Here are our favourite foods to help fuel your little ones:

Avocados

Bursting with nutrients and melt in the mouth, these green gems are perfect for babies and children. They’re rich in monounsaturated fat (the ‘good type’ of fat) as well as vitamin E which boosts baby’s immune system.

Blueberries

They are jam packed with vitamin C & can help you fight off colds, so it’s an essential ingredient for your child throughout the year.

Eggs

Contain Choline an important vitamin that is vital for the creation of memory cells within the brain. Eggs are also high in protein and contain iron, folate and vitamin A – all of which are important for growth, repair and development of cells.

Salmon

Fish in your baby and child’s diet is so important; healthy omega-3 fats contained in oily fish encourage growth as well as the development of their brain, nervous system and vision.

Oats

Oats take a long time to digest, so the sugars they contain are released more slowly. Try porridge for breakfast (whole oats are better than instant) or spread an oatcake with cream cheese or peanut butter for a satisfying snack.

Carrots

Carrots pack a powerful crunch. High in antioxidants; these easy to prepare orange vegetables are stuffed full of vitamin A and other nutrients to help with your baby and child’s vision and skin.

Broccoli

Broccoli is top of the league when it comes to its antioxidant properties. It has one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C, making it a great food for fighting infection. Broccoli is also a great source of calcium and vitamin K, crucial for bone health.

Tomatoes

These glossy red fruits are fit to burst full of vitamins and minerals such as A, C and E. Its secret weapon is the antioxidant lycopene, you and your baby will benefit from this more if you cook tomatoes in fat, either olive oil or butter.

Nuts & Seeds

Packed with protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, nuts & seeds keeps your nervous system in check

For more on essential critical nutrients see our article all about Iron.