Fact: 2.4 million British children are obese or overweight. When I first heard this figure I was so shocked at how parents could allow their children to get to a weight which would cause health problems in the future. Not only health problems but social issues too, we are all aware that the “fat kid” had a high chance of being bullied at school...and nobody wants that for their child.
However looking back I am guilty of setting a bad example to Finnley. There have been days where I have been stressed and exhausted and given up the dinner battle. Later allowing Finnley to nibble on crisps and biscuits.
To save stress, money and time Finnley now makes his own dinner (well assists). It can be messy and it can take more time to clean up, but it is definitely worth it. Finnley feels like he has accomplished something when he eats the lunch or dinner that he has made, this increases his self confidence as well as encouraging him to try new healthy foods. It is also a time when I get to spend some quality fun time with him. Instead of him playing with his cars in his room whilst I’m in the kitchen preparing something that he won’t eat, we get to cook and eat our food together.
Finnley’s Cheesey Cottage Pie
This superbly tasty take on a cottage pie is one that Finnley loves. It includes three different vegetable varieties as well as lean beef which is a great source of iron and cheese provides a good source of calcium, essential for bone strength and growth.
You will need (makes two mini portions):
· 5 mushrooms
· ½ leek
· 100g chopped tomatoes
· 125g lean beef mince
· 30g half fat cheese
· Dried basil
· Medium sized potato
· 2 tbsp milk
1. Chop potato and ask mini chef to place in water. Cover and boil
2. Chop vegetables and place in different bowls so your mini chef can see the different colour.
3. Heat a pan and make sure your mini chef understands NEVER to touch the pan (do not leave children unattended during cooking)
4. Ask mini chef to add leeks to pan and stir with a wooden spoon. Using a wooden spoon ensure the handle won’t get hot.
5. Next mini chef adds the mushrooms and beef mince and stirs.
6. Mini chef now adds the chopped tomatoes and basil
7. Keep stirring until mince is browned and divide between two serving bowls
8. Drain potatoes and place in cool bowel, ask mini chef to add milk and mash with fork.
9. Add potatoes to bowel and ask mini chef to fork a pattern into the top.
10. Hold the grater and get mini chef to grate cheese on top of the bowels.
11. If mini chef wants to eat it immediately place under grill until cheese browns or leave to cool, cover and place in fridge until tea time!
Enjoy
Finnley and Mummy x
