Eating

Number 16 • Spring 2011
Eating well
to
grow well
We always want what’s best for our children, especially when it
comes to nutrition. This statement is even more true for growing
and developing preschool aged children. It can sometimes be quite
challenging to know what is best for little ones. That is because there
are so many food myths out there, and sorting out what is true
and what is false can present quite a challenge! What are we really
feeding our children? Can you separate the truths from the myths
in this article?
With the team of registered dietitians at Dairy Farmers of Canada
Taking a Bite Out of Nutrition Myths
Are organic vegetables and fruit
a nutritious choice?
Which foods cause constipation
in children?
Choosing vegetables and fruit is always a nutritious choice! But, do the
organic vegetables and fruit we serve our children necessarily contain more
vitamins and minerals? Several studies have attempted to answer this
question. The conclusion? There appears to be no significant difference
between the nutrient value of organic foods and that of conventional foods.
While certain studies show that organic foods may have a slightly higher
nutritional value, it appears that this difference has little impact on health.
None do! It is inaccurate to blame bananas, white rice, or cheese!
It’s a fact: no single food can be blamed for this discomfort. Instead of
eliminating foods, focus on encouraging physical activity, which is recognized
for its beneficial effects on intestinal health. In addition to activity, proper
hydration combined with a diet rich in fibre can help prevent constipation
in young children.
Opting for organic foods is more about choosing different agricultural
practices. It is a personal choice that can be motivated by various
well-warranted reasons. Organic or not, eating vegetables and fruit has
many health benefits. Considering that 70% of 4 to 8 year old Canadians do
not eat the recommended daily number of servings of vegetables and fruit,
organic or not, they should take up more space in our little ones’ bellies.
Many people tend to forget the value of fibre when trying to alleviate
discomfort caused by constipation; however fibre plays many important
roles in children’s diets. In addition to assisting with bowel regularity, fibre
can also produce feelings of satiety, which help children feel full longer so
they can wait until the next meal or snack. Simply put, including foods rich
in fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can only help improve the
quality of young children’s diets!
Canadian milk: a high quality beverage
Can little stuffy noses still have their milk?
Milk undergoes rigorous quality control in order to guarantee its quality.
Because Health Canada does not allow the use of hormones to increase
milk production in cows, Canadian milk is free of any artificial growth
hormones. Quality controls are also carried out with regards to the use of
antibiotics. If a cow is ill and requires antibiotics, she is clearly identified and
her milk is properly discarded until the mandatory withdrawal period of the
medication has passed.
Some people wonder if drinking milk will increase mucus production
during colds. In other words, should parents avoid serving milk to their
cold-stricken children? There have been no studies that have identified a link
between milk consumption and an increase in mucus secretions or other
cold-symptoms.This myth likely stems from the creamy texture of milk, which
can coat the inside of the mouth and throat. A little trick to keep up your
sleeve: serve milk very cold. During bouts of the cold or flu, the important
thing is to offer children healthy and nutritious foods and beverages. Milk is
composed of approximately 85% water and provides 16 essential nutrients
making it a sound choice for hydrating little ones when they have a cold!
Before they can even begin to produce milk, all Canadian farms are
inspected. Inspectors must verify that the facilities and milking equipment are
clean and that there is proper refrigeration on-site. Quality control teams
also inspect the cows and their environment to ensure the animals are being
properly cared for. A nutritious diet, healthy living conditions, and good
veterinary care are but a few of the numerous essential requirements
for having healthy cows and quality milk. With all of these high quality
standards in place, milk and milk products can be served to children with
total confidence!
PLC_11_009_AN.indd 1
3/28/11 2:21:15 PM
Recipe Corner
Tutti Frutti Couscous
Yields: 250 mL (1 cup)
ked couscous
• 125 mL (½ cup) uncoo
milk, heated
• 125 mL (½ cup) whole
margarine
• 2 mL (½ tsp) butter or
namon
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground cin
up
• 5 mL (1 tsp) maple syr
ed
• ½ apple, peeled and dic
small pieces
• ½ orange, chopped in
rs
• 15 grapes, cut in quarte
M.F.)
yogurt (approximately 2%
• 125 mL (½ cup) vanilla
Preparation
1. Pour couscous into a
2. Add butter and stir.
stand for 5 minutes.
3. Cover the bowl and let
couscous
maple syrup and fluff the
4. Add the cinnamon and
mixture with a fork.
and stir.
5. Add the chopped fruit
top with approximately
6. Serve in small bowls and
30 mL (2 tbsp) yogurt.
instead of the
be added to the mixture
Note: Other fruits could
s, bananas or
(for example: blueberrie
apple, orange, and grapes
gination flow!
strawberries). Let your ima
Children can help!
l be delighted
ir little hands, children wil
After having washed the
to help you by:
the couscous into a bowl
1. Measuring and pouring
with a fork
2. Fluffing the couscous
the fruit
3. Mixing the couscous and
top of the couscous
4. Adding the yogurt on
Is for A
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PLC_11_009_AN.indd 2
3/28/11 2:21:45 PM
DESARTS
Clients :
PLC
# d’annonce
PLC_10_009
c o m m u n i c a t i o n Dossier :
Publication : Feuillet maritime AN
2160, rue de la Montagne, Parution :
Avril2011 Livraison : 08/04/11
e
6 étage, Montréal QC
H3G 2T3
Tél. : [514] 987-1622
Téléc. : [514] 987-7144
PRODUCTION
Directeur production
Chef studio
Corr.
OK
Media :
Trim :
Safety :
Montage à :
Couleurs :
Magazine
8,5” x 11”
3/8” Bleed : + 1/8”
100% Épreuve à (%) :90 %
4C ou pms ∑:280 N85
SERVICE CONSEIL
Coord.
Corr.
OK
Chargé cpte
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OK
Dir. cpte
Corr.
OK
Date :
Infographie:
ÉPREUVE STUDIO
DA
Corr.
OK
23/03/2011
ÉPREUVE CLIENT
CRÉATION
Dir. création
Corr.
OK
FINALE CLIENT
Rédacteur
Corr.
OK