• Monosodium glutamate flavour enhancer (MSG) - 621
• Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (another form of MSG) - HVP
• Aspartame and artificial sweeteners – 950, 951
• Colours – 102, 104, 110, 122, 123, 124, 127, 129, 133, 150d, 151, 153, 155, 160b
• Partially hydrogenated oil
• Trans fatty acids – from hydrogenated fats
• Nitric acid and nitrites - 249
• Artificial flavours
• Preservatives – 210, 212, 213, 216, 220, 221, 226, 320, 512

I would suggest that you thoroughly read all food labels prior to buying all food items. There are many more that should also be avoided, so if you are unsure about an ingredient on a food label, just don’t buy it until you have researched the known side effects.

Snack Attack

For children, snacking may be physically necessary. Snacks provide an additional source of calories needed to fuel children's higher activity level. Children may not be getting their energy requirements from only three meals a day. So, when your child whines for a snack, their body may actually be demanding more calories and nutrients.

Since most children get hungry between meals, it is up to parents to make sure that there are healthy and wholesome snacks available. If your young one does not find an easy and “ready to eat” nutritious food when hunger strikes, then she will reach for the chips, biscuits or lollies. LINK HERE

There are plenty of healthy, no-hassle snacks out there. Toddlers should be feeding themselves, so think simple, finger-friendly, bite-size foods like:

• low-sugar wholegrain breakfast cereals and bars
• fresh fruit thinly sliced or cut into small pieces
• whole-grain crackers spread with avocado and wholemeal mini-muffins
• cheese cut into thin slices or shredded
• veggies cut into sticks
• whole milk yoghurts

Kids do better with routine, so try to serve snacks and meals at approximately the same time every day.
That way your child will always know what to expect.


Amy with her 5 year old Son Luca.