Healthy Kids Cookbook
Dorling Kindersley, 2017. ISBN 9781740331289
So many cooking shows get huge ratings on television and so much has
been written about the 'obesity crisis' amongst our students that it
is clear that food is a dominating force in our lives and the
interest in it has never been higher. Gradually the tide is swinging
towards the healthy end of the scale as we try to nourish our bodies
but still cope with the hectic lifestyle we impose on ourselves and
our kids. Even the famous 'Golden Arches" is now producing healthier
fast foods that are getting a nod, if not the tick of approval, from
nutritionists.
But if we are going to make and have sustainable change in our
diets, we need to start from the beginning and get children knowing
and appreciating what they are putting into their mouths. If they
are actively involved in the growing and preparation of their food (A patch
from scratch by Megan Forward) they are more likely to build
habits of good nutrition that will last them a lifetime. Experience
has shown me that those children who are subjected to a healthy food
regime imposed on them by well-meaning parents are usually the first
to grab the "naughties" at parties as they seek to taste the
'forbidden fruit'.
So to have a cookbook that is directed specifically at children
cooking for themselves is very appealing and as usual with DK
publications, both the content and the presentation are directed
squarely at the child. Beginning with a brief explanation of why a
balanced diet is critical and other things that all budding cooks
need to know, it is set out with lots of photos, simple captions and
just the right amount of information to inform but not bore. The
recipes follow a similar sort of presentation with stunning full
colour photos to help understanding but also to make the most
ordinary food look good - we know we eat with our eyes first. Who
knew a rainbow salad could be so tempting? Or how many good things
could be packed into a pita pocket? Or even that so many vegetables
could be included in yummy cakes? Parents will love this book!!!
With plans for the new school year already on the horizon, this
could be the centrepiece of a display encouraging our students to
nourish themselves throughout the year, and perhaps even encourage
the establishment of a cooking group so they can learn and hone
their skills and tastes in a community atmosphere.
Definitely one for the two budding chefs in my life . . .
Barbara Braxton