It is a priority for me to get the essential vitamins and minerals into my three growing boys. But I must admit it’s a constant battle. They are lovers of sweets, biscuits and un-healthiness, it is a daily battle. But I have my ways. As do Bassetts Vitamins who have sponsored this post, Bassetts Vitamins supports and celebrates those fun moments families share in their daily lives… never a dull moment? Let’s keep it that way!
My secret or not so secret tactics on how to get necessary nutrients into them.
The Pocket Money reward system
This one is a lot easier when its term time and I can get two items into their packed lunch box, but I incentivise eating five portions of fruit of vegetables a day. If they eat their five a day for at least five days in a week then they get their £5 a week pocket money. All the fives. There are always apples, grapes and strawberries sitting on the kitchen surface to encourage them to pick and fill their hungry tummies with nutrients.
The Hiding of Vegetables Method
I have a go at the spaghetti bolognaise recipe that I have been making for around 30 years. It has changed over time as my tastes have changed. But it always includes the following vegetables cut up into very small pieces, carrots, onions, mushrooms, peppers and of course a couple of tins of chopped tomatoes. It is a fail-safe recipe that the boys love and its gets shed loads of goodness and pasta energy into them.
Chef time in the kitchen
I love to encourage the boys to cook themselves. This might be a treat like cookies (their go to favourite is totally cookies!) but also, they help out with a curry or a roast dinner. They love to chop up the vegetables and I must tone down my urge to ask them to cut smaller!! The more they are involved in the cooking process the much more likely they are to eat the fruits of their labour.
Trying things that are different.
I do like to experiment with food and get the boys to try things that are different or maybe they have not had before. Recently Jack tried blackberries and loved them. Perfect time of the year as the hedgerows are heaving with blackberry yumminess. I remember in Spain last year I had them eating Octopus, Squid, random unknown fish chosen from the restaurant fridge that had been caught that day.
Taking Advice from the Professionals
My two eldest boys are in the academy football system at Cambridge United football club and we get a lot of brilliant nutritional advice from the best of sports nutritionists. We have attended talks on the importance of nutrition for the boys and what to give them before and after sport. So, what we do for one child applies to all three.
Learn Healthy Habits from Mum and Dad
I am a firm believer in setting a good example for the children and what we as parents do and behaviours we exhibit will rub off onto the children. If they see us snacking on fruit and vegetables, then they are going to copy and do the same. Likewise, if they see us gorging on biscuits, crisps and sweets then they are going to copy. The same applies to exercise, it is important for them to see us being active. I love to get them involved in a sweaty HIIT session or for them to come out for a run with me.
A bit of help from Bassetts Vitamins
And if these strategies are still leaving you struggling to get your vitamins into your children then why not give these new Bassetts Vitamins a try. Bassetts Vitamins have launched their new Omega-3 + Multivitamins Orange Flavour Pastilles for 3-6 year olds. My boys have been trying them this week. A multivitamin that tastes delicious, we like to have one a day just before breakfast. This is what Josh thought of the taste.
Omega-3 + Multivitamins Orange Flavour contain all the benefits of Bassetts Vitamins’ much-loved multivitamins, but with added omega -3, in a delicious orange flavour, with natural flavours and colours, and no added sugar. Each tasty and chewy vitamin contains Vitamin B6 to support normal psychological function and Vitamin B5 which contributes to mental performance to support a smart way to start the day. The RRP is £5.50 for a pack of 30 pastilles.
This is a collaborative post with Bassetts Vitamins.
* Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet.
2 Responses
Our family doesn’t eat meat, and vitamins are always a necessity for us. We often eat vegan burgers. Often this burger proves to be less caloric than a meat burger. We always welcome this healthy burger for its respect for animals and nature. Wedgieburger focuses on organic produce sourced locally or from environmentally-conscious farms. Taste, lightness, wholesomeness and ethics – could you ask for more? Find out more about Hans Im Glück here.
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