In the second part of our blog series "Health Promotion", you will learn why a balanced diet is just as important for the development and health of a child as regular exercise. You will also learn how we ensure a balanced diet in the kids & co daycare centres and which quick, healthy and delicious recipes you can try out.
Balanced eating and drinking are part of a healthy lifestyle. They provide the body with energy, vital nutrients and protective substances, promote physical well-being and help prevent disease.
The Swiss Nutrition Disc summarises the most important areas for healthy eating and physical activity behaviour in children between the ages of 4 and 12.
It includes recommendations for balanced eating and drinking. In addition, the attitude of parents and caregivers, as well as the table rituals, play an important role: A relaxed atmosphere at the table promotes well-being and enjoyment when eating. Serenity, humour and patience support a good mood around food, while criticism or pressure spoil the appetite. Inviting children to try and being a role model for them opens up a variety of taste experiences and promotes varied food choices.
In order to offer children orientation and security, it is helpful to maintain different table rituals. In particular, one should always keep in mind that children imitate much of the eating behaviour of their parents.
In our daycare centres, we place a strong emphasis on the sustainability of the products. This means that we eat in harmony with nature and are aware of the health, ecological, economic and social effects of our food.
Parents inform us about allergies and food intolerances when the child is admitted. As a rule, parents bring their own allergy food with them, as we care for several children with different allergies. kids & co offers alternative food - this means vegetarian and pork-free food. We deliberately refrain from offering vegan food. As vegan cuisine only includes a limited selection of foods, there is a risk of insufficient nutrient intake for the child. In the long run, this can lead to failure to thrive and thus impair the child's health and development. The posted menu plan provides parents with information about the meals offered. In consultation with the parents, the pedagogical staff can make their own selection and omit ingredients that are not tolerated.
Our menu plan is always based on the food pyramid, which determines the total daily requirement as follows:
Lore Burri works as a cook at the kids & co Salem daycare centre in Bern. In order that the children can enjoy Lore's delicious food not only in the daycare centre, she has given us some recipes that can be prepared quickly - and are healthy too!
We hope you enjoy the cooking and wish you "Ä Guätä"!