Children’s wellness and lunchbox tips - The Community Leader and Real Estate New and Views
Community Health

Photo: Supplied.

BY PETER RULE, QUALIFIED NATUROPATH, FLANNERYS ORGANIC & WHOLEFOOD MARKET, SHOP 6/369 COLBURN AVENUE, VICTORIA POINT

Food plays a vital role in our children’s wellbeing, with fresh organic fruit and vegetables, plenty of quality water as well as probiotic-rich foods a priority. Cognitive and muscular development, energy, mood management, irritability, and immune health are reliant on good nutrition, plenty of rest and hydration.

SORE TUMMIES
Food intolerances, anxiety, lack of movement, dehydration, as well as an overload of sugar, can contribute to stomach-ache and poor digestion.

Probiotics are essential, and may help balance the gut’s good bacteria, which aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and mood. Whilst food choices are optimal (plenty of yoghurt and fermented foods) we often find it hard to get enough into our little one’s daily intake. That’s where quality supplements come in – either in live cultures or food-based additions. Nutra Organics Brekkie Hero is easy to add to smoothies and is packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and probiotics.

PROTEIN
Poor concentration, slowed growth, and lowered immunity could benefit from additional protein. This helps to keep them feeling full for longer plus the fuel to grow big and strong! If diet alone is not enough, a simple protein powder added to their smoothie or baked muffin can do wonders. Ensure you are choosing a child friendly option or speak to us in store.

OMEGAS AND DHA
Omega 3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, nuts, flaxseed, chia seeds) are incredibly important for cognitive function and muscular development. Omegas are one of the top food groups to get into your child’s diet and can assist with ADHD symptoms to help with memory, attention, learning difficulties and hyperactivity. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as children experiencing sleep difficulties, could also benefit from increased Omega 3 in their diet. We love the Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA, from fresh wild caught fish that comes in a great strawberry flavour.

PARASITE CLEANSE
Something that a lot of people don’t talk about enough – we can all have parasites that infect our body’s system. Possible symptoms include irritability, sleep difficulties, itchy bottom, and excessive cravings for sugary foods. Vitaklenz for Kids is a great option, however we recommend consulting your health care practitioner or speaking to us in store

LUNCHBOX INSPO
It can feel like groundhog day putting together the daily lunchbox, ensuring the balance of healthy foods that our kids will eat! Our tips for this year include easy-to-hold veggie sticks in a variety of colours. Why not add a little hummus for dipping, which is packed with protein, fibre, iron and folate.

Pick up some pre-made veggie patties from Biteme – they are easy to prep and small enough to snack on. Swap out the potato chips for colourful vegetable chips, popcorn or seaweed snacks for iodine. Try wraps instead of bread for sandwiches … there are plenty of gluten-free and allergen-friendly options.

Jerky sticks are very popular right now and kids will love the iron/energy boost! We want to fuel their minds and bodies to keep them active and happy, without the overstimulation of processed and sugar-loaded foods.

Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market has qualified naturopaths that provide complimentary advice on health and wellbeing, including children’s health. We can also give you a few lunchbox tips and tricks to get more veggies into your little one’s diet!

Always consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplements.

Visit Flannerys.com.au for store locations and healthy recipes.

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