Healthy Eating for Kids: Expert Tips | KN Talk

Like. “Sometimes I stand at the stove for an hour and then it doesn’t get eaten,” says Carina Dahlke. “It’s frustrating.” The mother of three children aged four to eleven is not alone in this experience. Many parents have difficulty providing their children with a healthy diet in everyday life.

But what exactly does healthy eating mean? How many sweets are allowed? And which nutrients should you pay attention to? That’s what the KN talk “Healthy and quick cooking for children” was about on Tuesday.

In an intimate setting at the Muhlack kitchen furniture store in Kiel, guests had the opportunity to ask questions. They were also able to watch and try cooking live. The nutrition experts Josefa Beckmann and Jochen Lehmann were invited. The evening was moderated by KN reporter Rieke Beckwermert.

First theory, then practice: nutrition experts pass on knowledge

First it was about theory: Josefa Beckmann, a qualified ecotrophologist, passed on her specialist knowledge and practical tips. “For many parents, the lunch box is a challenge,” said Beckmann. Many parents lack time, especially in stressful everyday life. Her tip: pack fruits and vegetables that don’t need to be cut – such as cherry tomatoes or grapes.

“Guess what: How many grams of sugar per day are recommended for a primary school child?” Beckmann asked the group. She looked at questioning faces. “No more than 25 grams per day.” When asked how much a primary school child eats on average per day, the audience gave the timid answer “50 grams”. “It’s actually about 100 grams,” Beckmann said. A murmur went through the room.

One participant pointed out the sugar tax debate in Schleswig-Holstein. “In other countries they introduce this and have positive experiences,” she said. “That would also help us reduce sugar consumption.”

Parents report experiences with food for children

A pleasant smell could be spotted from afar: While one group was discussing the challenges in the kitchen for children with the nutrition expert, Jochen Lehmann was cooking with the other group in the event kitchen.

“This is very tasty, but my daughter would never touch it,” said Carsten Prange as he tried the cooked one-pot.

The father said he hoped the evening would give him tips on how to encourage his ten-year-old daughter to eat. “I thought it was important right from the start to say that you should, above all, remove the pressure of having to try something.”

“Only the cheese roll from the bakery is accepted”

The participants’ questions made the parents’ everyday problems clear. “My three-year-old daughter never has an appetite after daycare,” reported one man. “Only the cheese roll from the bakery is accepted.” Beckmann gave him the impulse to let the child actively participate in the preparation. “Offer your child to make their beloved cheese sandwich at home.” This is the first step towards more diversity and acceptance.

And how can you incorporate more vegetables into your children’s diet? Lehmann’s tip: “Just don’t cheat. Eating means trust. It’s better to offer it again and again and respect it even if you don’t want it.”

The suggestions from the nutrition experts were well received by the guests. “I found it really informative,” said one participant. “I particularly liked the opportunity to ask my own questions.”

KN