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T e Modern Family Food & Drink
Promotional Content • Saturday 30th August 2025 HEALTHIER SNACKS
Protein-packed lunch box
Shop-bought snacks can be full of sneaky sugars. Here, experts reveal simple ideas for picky eaters, as well as some healthier options to shop. Words: Anna Evdokimou
CHOOSE HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS/GETTY I
t’s easy for lunchtime to swiftly turn into an all-out battle. Time and time again, parents spend their energy crafting a tasty and
wholesome meal for their little ones only to be met with folded arms and an disapproving scowl. To help keep mealtimes manageable, director of nutrition training at Health Coaches Academy Ann Gary and registered nutritional therapist Sandrine Olmi share their top tips.
How to deal with picky eaters “T e fi rst thing to do is to pause and take a breath,” says Sandrine. “Fussy eating is so common, especially
in anxious children or those with sensory sensitivities.” “My biggest piece of advice is to
focus on connection and relaxation around food. If a parent is anxious, tense, or overly focused on getting their child to eat, it can create resistance and power struggles.” She adds that off ering consistency
with mealtime routines and involving your child in food preparation where possible are key to building familiarity and acceptance. T e next time you’re making an easy meal, why not ask them for a hand throwing ingredients in a bowl, or even setting the table?
What are some common mistakes to avoid during mealtimes? “Encouraging ‘just one more bite’ often creates resistance,” says Sandrine. “It’s also not advisable to use food as a reward or punishment. T is can create emotional associations with food that last into adulthood.” Ann says that parents should try to
avoid frequent snacking or multiple bottles of milk, as this can lead fi ll up young children easily and reduce their appetite for meals. “It’s easier said than done, but try
to avoid bribery at mealtimes, and phrases like ‘no dessert until you eat
your vegetables’, because this makes veggies feel like punishment,” Ann adds.
Go-to snacks Ann suggests apple slices with peanut butter, crackers with cheese or hummus, or Greek yoghurt with berries and a drizzle of honey (if your child is aged over one). Meanwhile, Sandrine recommends trying homemade energy balls with oats, seeds and dates, or ham and cheese omelette rolls. “You could also try mini pancakes
made with banana and egg, or beetroot ones,” she adds.
Meatless mealtimes made easy
Looking for simple, aff ordable ways to eat less meat without losing the fl a- vour, ease, or joy of family meals? T e Vegetarian Society is here to help you do just that. From just £3 a month, you can be-
come a member of the Vegetarian Society - a charity which has been at the heart of food, environmental pro- tection and animal welfare change for nearly 180 years. Whether you’re veggie-curious,
a fl exitarian family or raising cli- mate-conscious kids, your member- ship gives you real tools to make a dif- ference, at home and beyond. T is isn’t just about what’s on your
plate. As a member, you’re standing up for animals. You’ll support cam- paigns to end the slaughter of day-old chicks and fund research into slaugh- ter-free farming. You’ll also help provide dignity and choice to vegetar- ians and vegans facing food poverty, with plant-based meals served to fam- ilies in need. Every new member receives:
• A welcome pack full of easy, nutri- tious family-friendly recipes
• A seven-day meal plan to get started • Recipe e-books with cook-along vid- eos (including breadmaking)
• Discounts at ethical brands like Hol- land & Barrett
You’ll also enjoy ongoing benefi ts
like an exclusive members’ magazine (three times a year), quarterly online
Join the Vegetarian Society as a member and you’ll receive a beautifully designed bag for life, made from eco-friendly material and printed with vegan inks. While stocks last
dietitian Q&As, a face-to-face annual Members’ Day, and even the chance to be a judge at the British Pie and Cheese Awards. You don’t have to be fully veggie to
join — just ready to make diff erent choices, one meal at a time. If you’ve been meaning to cut down
on meat, cook more varied meals or teach your children about sustainability and compassion, small changes by many people can help make a huge diff erence.
FREDDIE’S FARM These snacks are made with 100% whole fruits and vegetables, helping children avoid sugar highs and crashes. Each Berry Bar or Fruit Shapes pack is minimally processed and contains no additives or
artifi cial ingredients, so no concen- trates or purees are involved. They’re also 100% kerbside recyclable. Avail- able at Sainsbury’s, Ocado or online at Freddie’s Farm and Amazon.
PLENISH KIDS VITAMIN SHOTS Suitable for children aged four and over, these new vitamin shots from Plenish are lunchbox friendly and can stay fresh for up to eight hours out of the fridge. With no added sugar, the small drinks are a great source of vitamin D, iron, zinc and vitamin C, and kids can pick from mango or berry fl avour. Available at Tesco, or online at Plenish.
GOSH! VEG BITES With each snack bag made from 100% natural ingredients, these packs from Gosh! are a great option for savoury- loving little ones. The
Italian-inspired pack contains red pepper, spinach and herbs, boasting a high protein and fi bre content. Available at Morrisons.
Join today from just £3/month and choose love, with each meal.
vegsoc.org
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