Child nutrition
A good morning starts with a balanced breakfast – and it can be creative! Whether it's hearty bread, crusty rolls or a delicious oat breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt – variety ensures enjoyment. But nutrition is more than just breakfast: With plenty of vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and healthy fats, healthy nutrition for children is elementary. Add plenty of fluids, exercise and lots of fun – this is how your child starts the day full of energy!
A good start to the day
You know it: A good morning lays the foundation for the entire day. It's all the more important that your child learns early on to consciously take time for breakfast together with the rest of the family – ideally with joy and enjoyment!
But always the same thing? Boring! This is where creativity comes into play: Whether it's a hearty sandwich, a crusty bread roll or a delicious oat breakfast – combined with milk or yogurt, fresh fruit and a drink, it's guaranteed to stay fresh. This way, you can start the day together with variety and energy!
Your child doesn't want to eat anything in the morning? No problem!
Some children simply need a little longer to start their day – and that's perfectly okay! If breakfast is skipped, there's a clever alternative: a glass of milk, a milk alternative (fortified with calcium), juice or hot chocolate prepared with oat flakes in a blender as a drinkable meal. Quick, delicious and filling! And for second breakfast at school or daycare? Just pack an extra portion.
Balanced nutrition – elementary
Vegetables & fruit – eat five a day!
Of these, three portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit should be included in the daily menu. Colourful, fresh, delicious: Whether raw, briefly cooked, as a crisp salad or occasionally as a juice or smoothie – the main thing is fresh! Seasonal is great, and regional even more so. And don't forget: Pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, beans and nuts also belong in a varied children's diet.
Grains & potatoes – the perfect base
Whether bread, flakes, pasta or rice – the wholegrain variety is best! They provide energy and important nutrients for little (and big) explorers. Our tip: Oat products are always 100 % wholegrain!
Milk, fish and the like – cleverly combined
Did you know that a child's daily calcium needs can be met with just a glass of milk, a yogurt and a slice of cheese? Therefore, milk or a calcium-enriched milk substitute should be served every day, fish once or twice a week and occasionally meat, sausage or eggs – this adds variety to the plate. Low-fat options are the best choice for a healthy diet.
Fats – but the right ones, please!
Fats are important – but not all are the same! Vegetable oils and margarine provide valuable fatty acids. However, you should watch out for hidden fats in sausage, cheese, pastries and fast food.
Sugar & salt – less is more
Sweets? Sure, but in moderation! Make sure that sugary snacks and drinks only appear occasionally in the diet. When seasoning, use herbs and spices rather than salt.
Drink plenty – the energy booster
Depending on age, the body needs at least 1 to 1.5 litres of fluid a day. And not all at once, but spread throughout the day. The best choices? Water, unsweetened herbal or fruit teas. Pro tip: A glass of water with every meal – then the fluid balance will always be in the green zone!
Exercise & sport – because children need power!
Children are real bundles of energy – and that's a good thing! Running, climbing, jumping, romping – all of this not only promotes healthy development, but is also great fun. Exercise boosts self-confidence, puts children in a good mood and helps them to gradually find their favourite sport, which often lasts a lifetime.
