26 Sep Sneaky Nutrition Tricks For The Clever Natural Parent

Fussy toddlers and busy lives leave most of us feeling like we could be in better control over our families’ eating habits. These are a few of my favourite tricks to boost my very busy toddler’s health.

1. Invisible + Tasteless Omega Oil

Like most toddlers, Cassian loves pasta! Not so nutritious. But I pour some of this almost tasteless omega oil over all dishes that I can, and it always goes undetected!

2. Baobab Sherbet

Baobab is one of those superfoods that all mothers should love. Because it tastes like sherbet and can be added to yoghurt, cereal, desserts and smoothies; and no one is going to complain. This creamy powder is a wonderful source of immune-boosting vitamin C; in fact, it contains up to 10 times more vitamin C than oranges. It’s also naturally rich in antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage, and easily digestible calcium to promote bone strength – a plus for a growing vegetarian boy. The high fibre content and probiotic properties help to keep the digestive system healthy, while the significant amounts of B vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium will keep your whole body nourished and balanced.

3. Lucuma Custard For the Win

Some may say it tastes like caramel custard and others a bit like pumpkin, but either way, this is another fab superfood that I add to our breakfast most mornings. It goes well with yoghurt; over cereals and in smoothies.

4. Cheesy Nutritional Yeast

This organic nutritional yeast is full of natural cheesy/nutty flavours, plus it’s an amazing vegan-friendly source of protein, B vitamins and folic acid. I add it to Cassian’s eggs and flavour popcorn with it to his delight – he loves chips and this is a great alternative. Here’s a quick and easy popcorn recipe for you.

5. Puffed Millet For A Wholesome Cereal

Millet is an alkaline grain, and one of the least allergenic, most easily digestible grains available. It is also high in protein; B vitamins, copper and iron. They’re like crunchy, nutty rice crispies, just minus all that sugar and he does not know the difference. I sometimes mix with the puffed rice and add all sorts of goodies like desiccated coconut; dried strawberries or dried blueberries.

6. Cheezy Kale Chips

Cassian has a savoury palette and loves his kale chips. I go into mama heaven when I see him grabbing mouthfuls of these – little does he know its just like eating a massive bowl of raw kale. Mom for the win!

7. Create A Little Masterchef

The more involved I can get him in the process of finding and making our food the better. This photo is from the most recent Heritage Day – we picked mint and strawberries from the garden and made flavoured water which he could not get enough of. That and eating the delicious organic strawberries by the mouthful which he called his “presents.”