Parents today are often at a loss when it comes to their children's diet and menus, which are increasingly difficult to establish. At the same time, advertisements present us with specific hygienic and dietary rules, nutritionists give us their rules for healthy eating and often, pediatricians or doctors give speeches that can go against the grain.
How can we position ourselves as parents to know what is good for our children and what diet will be the most optimal for our offspring? How not to get lost in front of this multitude of information that is sent to us by the media and doctors as well as magazines or books more and more numerous on the subject.
The right breakfast to start the day
Today, we are going to focus mainly on breakfast because it is the meal that seems the least obvious to replace. In fact, supermarkets impose on us entire shelves of unhealthy breakfast cereals: rich in sugars, coloring agents and various additives, this morning food has nothing to do with cereals that are beneficial to health. Sometimes, for the sake of speed, some children eat buns, chocolate or not, which also have nothing to do with a natural and healthy food for growth.
These foods, too rich in sugar, are harmful for our children who are increasingly sensitive to a certain hyperactivity. Childhood hyperactivity or ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder, an increasingly recurrent and frequent topic in families and schools. The children can no longer concentrate, have learning difficulties, feel overwhelmed by emotions that they cannot manage and relationships become complicated and conflictual with parents, teachers and classmates.
Therefore, first thing in the morning, let's offer them an attractive and healthy breakfast for both their physical and emotional health. Let's give them all the chances to start the day on the right foot.
Granola recipe
When oatmeal is introduced to children, they immediately think of muesli, which may be less easy to swallow for younger children. Let's offer them a more pleasant version: granola.
In a bowl, mix 150 grams of oat flakes (the small ones) with a mixture of 75 grams of various crushed nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, etc...).
On top of the mixture, pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil - olive or coconut oil are both unalterable at high temperatures - as well as 2 tablespoons of agave syrup. Stir well with a wooden spoon.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 150 degrees. At the end of the 10 minutes, stir the mixture and bake again for 5 to 10 minutes until the flakes turn a nice color.
When done, remove from oven and let cool.
You can now add to your cereal little things that your children like: dried fruits (dates, figs, raisins, ...) cut into small pieces, sunflower seeds, small pieces of dark chocolate.
Every morning, offer a few tablespoons of this mixture in a plant-based drink (ideally homemade) such as a good quality almond milk or a rice or hazelnut drink with no added sugar.
Nevertheless, I encourage you to encourage your children to drink two large glasses of water on an empty stomach. This will give them a wonderful health habit that they can keep for a lifetime. By drinking a pure amount of water as soon as you wake up, it will allow your digestive system to wake up smoothly. In addition, this morning drink will increase the capacity to eliminate toxins, which is the basis of any health system.