On The Menu
At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, mealtime is a chance to nourish growing bodies and minds. Our summer menu offers a variety of healthy proteins, carbohydrates, and fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal. Friends sit together to enjoy their food, sharing conversations about the tastes and textures they are exploring. We don’t hide fruit and veggies - children can see, identify, and understand what they’re eating, building a positive relationship with healthy foods from a young age.
The above is a sample menu. Your centre's seasonal menu is displayed on the wall by the kitchen and updated ever six weeks. Speak to your Centre Manager to find out more.
A Recipe to Try at Home
With summer in full swing, this recipe is the perfect way to beat the heat. Pavlova meets popsicle, in this fruity fusion that’s as cool as it gets. Prep this no-fuss treat a day ahead and get ready for a frosty escape!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fresh passionfruit pulp
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1L Weiss Mango Sorbet, slightly softened
- 2L Blue Ribbon Vanilla Ice-cream
- 40g meringues, crushed
- Meringues, crushed, extra, to serve
Method
- Combine passionfruit pulp and sugar in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
- Grease and line a 20cm pan.
- Add softened sorbet to the pan, smooth it out, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Spoon softened ice cream over the sorbet and smooth it.
- Swirl in the passionfruit syrup, smooth the surface, and top with crushed meringue. Freeze for 45 minutes to firm up.
- Score the top into 16 squares and insert sticks.
- Freeze for 8 hours or overnight. Loosen with a knife and remove from the pan using the paper.
- Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife. Serve the pavlova pops topped with extra crushed meringue.
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.
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