hen it comes to providing nutritious meals for our children, we want to ensure they receive the very best. At Banana Moon, we believe in going above and beyond to provide the best care and nutrition for children under 5. That’s why we proudly offer two hot meals freshly cooked each day at all of our Nurseries!
Benefits of home-cooked hot meals.
Serving two home-cooked hot meals for children under 5 is incredibly beneficial for their overall health and well-being. Here are some key reasons why:
1. Balanced Nutrition
Home-cooked meals allow for greater control over the ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced and nutritious diet for young children. Two hot meals provide an opportunity to offer a wider variety of foods, including essential fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. This diverse menu helps meet their nutritional needs, supporting healthy growth and development.
2. Adequate Energy
Young children have high energy requirements, and two hot meals ensure they receive sufficient fuel throughout the day. A home-cooked hot meal provides a steady release of energy, helping children maintain optimal energy levels for their active days filled with play, learning, and exploration.
3. Development of Healthy Eating Habits
Introducing children to a routine of home-cooked meals sets the foundation for healthy eating habits. By regularly experiencing the joys of freshly cooked food, children develop a positive relationship with wholesome meals and are more likely to make nutritious choices as they grow older.
4. Taste and Texture Exploration
Home-cooked meals offer a range of flavours, textures, and culinary experiences for children. With two hot meals, they have the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes, fostering their curiosity and expanding their palate. This exposure to different flavours can contribute to a more varied and balanced diet in the long run.
5. Social and Emotional Connection
Sharing a home-cooked meal together creates a sense of togetherness and strengthens social bonds. It provides an opportunity for children to connect with family members, caregivers, and peers, enhancing their social skills, communication, and emotional well-being.
6. Food Safety and Quality Control:
By preparing meals at home, there is greater control over food safety and quality. Caregivers can ensure that ingredients are fresh, appropriate, and sourced responsibly, reducing the risk of allergies or sensitivities. This control allows for tailored meal planning, accommodating individual dietary needs and preferences.
In every Banana Moon nursery, the provision of two hot meals is just one of the many ways we create an enriching and nurturing environment for our little learners. Join us in embracing nutritional bliss and let your child embark on a delightful culinary journey that supports their overall well-being.
Sources:
- McCrory, M., et al. (2011). Meal Skipping and Variables Related to Energy Balance in Adults: A Brief Review, with Emphasis on the Breakfast Meal. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 111(12), 1894-1901.
- Golley, R., et al. (2010). Motivations for Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in an Australian Adolescents Cohort: Associations with Diet Quality, Nutritional Knowledge and Beliefs. Public Health Nutrition, 13(6),
