On The Menu
Every season we release an exciting new six week menu which includes nutritionally balanced meals that meet each food group recommendation. The menu features in season fruits and vegetables, as well as proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats, essential for growing bodies and minds.
You can see the menu your centre is offering displayed on the wall at the centre. Below is what an sample menu looks like.
This season, you will notice our menu features lots of fresh seasonal fruit, including oranges. Oranges are excellent for young children due to their high nutritional value and numerous health benefits. They are rich in Vitamin C, which is crucial for strengthening the immune system, helping children fight off colds and infections. They also contain lots of fibre to support digestion and regulate blood sugar, beneficial to maintaining energy levels. Oranges also have a high water content, helping to keep children hydrated, which is especially important during active play.
A Recipe to Try at Home
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (or milk substitute)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 pears, diced
Method:
- Melt the butter on stove or microwave.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Bake at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Meet Our Centre Cook
Each day, our creative and innovative Centre Cooks prepare a wide variety of nutritious meals and purees for the children and babies in our centres.
Each meal is healthy and delicious, and aligned with children's daily nutritional needs. They also ensure any individual cultural or dietary requirements are being met too.
Our Centre Cooks are committed to making healthy habits fun. They love to take time to involve the children in meal preparation and healthy food education, plus they hold regular cooking classes!
Note: A small number of our centres do not provide meals, however the Centre Manager will let you know when you meet the team prior to enrolment.
"Early life nutrition is crucial for brain development, supporting critical processes such as cell proliferation, neurotransmitter metabolism, and synaptic plasticity, which influence both immediate cognitive abilities and long-term mental health outcomes."
Cambridge University Press, 2022
The Importance of Nutrition in Early Childhood
Early childhood is a period of unparalleled growth and development, particularly for the brain. Remarkably, about 90% of brain development occurs before a child reaches five years of age. During this crucial period, proper nutrition plays a vital role in shaping a child’s cognitive abilities, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Here’s why nutrition is so important during these formative years.
Rapid Brain Development
From birth to age five, a child’s brain undergoes rapid changes, forming neural connections at an astonishing rate. The Raising Children Network explains that these early years are critical for establishing the foundation for learning, behavior, and health. Essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc are crucial for brain development and function, supporting processes such as cell growth, neurotransmitter production, and synaptic plasticity.
Cognitive and Behavioural Benefits
Adequate nutrition significantly impacts cognitive development. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, deficiencies in key nutrients during early childhood can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments. For example, iron is essential for myelination and the development of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory and learning.
Immune System Support
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains enhances the immune system, protecting children from common illnesses and infections. The Better Health Channel highlights the role of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc, in maintaining a robust immune response. This is particularly important for young children as their immune systems are still developing.
Establishing Healthy Eating Habits
Introducing a variety of healthy foods early on helps establish lifelong healthy eating habits. The Dietitians Association of Australia supports the notion that early exposure to a wide range of nutritious foods can lead to better eating patterns and reduced risk of picky eating and dietary deficiencies.
Long-term Health Outcomes
Proper nutrition in early childhood can prevent the onset of chronic diseases later in life. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) provides evidence that good nutrition in the early years can have long-term health benefits, including a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Variety is key: Ensure your child’s diet includes a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit processed foods: Reduce the intake of sugary snacks and beverages, and avoid processed foods high in unhealthy fats and sugars.
- Regular meals and snacks: Provide regular, balanced meals and healthy snacks to maintain a steady intake of essential nutrients.
Healthy Meals at Aussie Kindies
The first five years of life are a critical window for brain development, making nutrition an essential component of a child’s growth and cognitive development. At Aussie Kindies, we prioritise providing a diet rich in essential nutrients to support optimal growth and cognitive development. This will lay a strong foundation for your child's future health, learning, and wellbeing.
Centres near you
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Find your nearest Aussie Kindies and start the enrolment process