Chicken-free nuggets from today’s childminder’s drop-in …

A dietician visited us today to present information and advice specific to the needs of pre-school children (aged one and over)

In brief:

Adult dietary advice does not apply equally to rapidly growing and developing under fives.

What they require instead is an equally balanced diet but with the addition of more full-fat milk/yoghurt and less wholewheat, fibre-packed bread/pasta/rice products than adults.

Their digestive system is not mature enough to cope with large amounts of fibre.

A ‘5 a day’ fruit/veg portion size would be proportionally less than that for an adult.

Snacks should be of nutritional value – not empty calories.

Sweet treats are best given immediately following meals.

Avoid nuts – both whole and chopped.

Water and milk are far better than squashes and juices as between meal drinks.

Ditch bottles after the age of one.

Fruit Shoot is the devil’s beverage.