Healthy Meals for a Growing Family

Potatoes are a perfect choice for the whole family. There are many potato recipes which can be made into quick and tasty healthy meals. They are a naturally fat free choice and provide vital vitamins and minerals with their associated health benefits for a complete balanced diet.

A baked potato is a source of folate: an important vitamin during pregnancy and for normal growth and development. There are so many tasty toppings that go with jacket potatoes, you’ll never get bored. Potatoes can also help with weight management and are often featured in 30 minute meals.

When they are cooked with little or no fat and served in an appropriate amount, they help lower the energy density (the amount of calories/kilojoules they provide per gramme) of healthy dinners and so will help to fill you up on fewer calories.

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for growth, development and physical activity, so are an essential part of healthy meals for children. They also provide fuel for the brain. Potatoes are a starchy carbohydrate and are a great source of energy for all the family.

Children can sometimes be fussy eaters, but there is a potato dish that will work for any child. You can try simple recipes like boiled new potatoes, mash, crispy potato wedges or as a topping like shepherd’s pie. Try adding in their favourite food, for example, add cheese to mashed potato for cheesy mash or eat new potatoes with a dip. Children love to join in – teach them how to cook and get them mashing or even try making mash into a dinosaur or hedgehog. There are many free recipes on the web for children to experiment with and build their cookery skills.