RAFFERTY’S GARDEN: Preparing to eat on a day out and about with baby
Lets face it; life can easily get hectic more often than not, which makes it even more important to keep healthy habits a focus at home. However, healthy food vigilance should not drop by the wayside when we step outside of our home environment. As a parent we are not only passionate about making sure our little ones eat well at home but also when out and about. Being prepared is key, if you’re caught short at mealtime, it can mean being faced with unhealthy options. To keep the healthy momentum flowing when not at home, here are some tips for being prepared to eat out and about with bub.
Stick to Routine
Just because we may be somewhere different it doesn’t mean meal routine should change. Routine is important for bub and bub’s typical day-to-day pattern of eating should be continued at all times. Think about what bub eats at home and use this as a guide to understand what bub needs when on the move.
Get off to the right start
Ensure you and bub have a nutritious breakfast to set both up for a big day out. When thinking breakfast make sure you get a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates to keep energy and blood sugar levels on an even keel. A favourite go-to of mine is chia seed porridge with poached pear and apple; it will soon become a favourite of bubs too.
Other options include – scrambled eggs with sliced avocado and sourdough toast or a quick omelette using leftover roast vegetables and feta cheese.
Become Resourceful
Whilst we may sit back and be proud as punch admiring the healthy meal we just created, there is yet another around the corner, in as little as 2-3 hours! Don’t despair; be prepared!
Turn your chia seed porridge breakfast into a snack, cook a little extra, pack away and let cool ready for a day out with bub.
Blitzed a smoothie for breakfast? Save some, place in a leak-proof jar and freeze for 30-60 minutes before taking out for the day.
Roasted veges the night before? Pack in a separate container and take with you, a vitamin and mineral-rich option for baby to pick at during the day.
Balanced Snacks and Meals
Constant eating can be detrimental to little ones so ensure each snack/meal is not only nourishing but also satisfying. When snacks and meals contain a balance of all macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat) it assists to keep blood sugar levels balanced and should prevent the need for grazing. Good examples include:
- Boiled eggs with fruit
- Yoghurt, fruit and nut butter (if no allergy exists)
- Mini baked salmon, quinoa and spinach frittatas
- Buckwheat pikelets with tahini paste
Avoid the opportunity for Mess
A messy situation might be fun at home but it’s not so fun in un-familiar territory, stick with easy to handle snack options such as:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Carrot sticks
- Diced fruit
- Cheese cubes
- Flaxseed or brown rice crackers
- Mini fruit muffins (see my recipe below)
- Rafferty’s Garden food pouches are a great option to enjoy on the go – 100% mess free and yum!
Benefit from Calcium
Bubs require an adequate intake of calcium daily and thankfully often enjoy calcium-based foods making them an ideal pick. Calcium has a relaxing effect on the body and helps promote sleep, perfect for avoiding any in-store tantrums, pack a cooler bag with:
- Cheese sticks
- Cottage cheese based dips
- Rafferty’s Garden fruit product stirred into yoghurt
- Fruit cubes and yoghurt
- Slices of baked ricotta
With these tips on board you are sure to fail-proof your healthy eating habits when out and about with bub. Being prepared allows more time to enjoy your adventures out together and less time hunting down a healthy meal/snack which sounds like the makings of a good day out!
For a quick health on-the go snack option, try my Rhubarb and Cashew Muffins (if no nut allergy exists)
http://www.goodchefbadchef.com.au/recipe/rhubarb-and-cashew-muffins/
