Baby weaning expert Annabel Carmel shares tips after baby food scandal.

Bad for baby: A new study by BBC Panorama has illuminated the true nutritional value of bag bags for baby food (picture: Alamy/Pa)

The latest panorama examination of the BBC, the truth about baby food bags, has triggered a widespread concern of the nutritional quality of baby and toddler food sold in Great Britain. A study of Leeds University presented in the program analyzed 632 popular products and found that 41% of the main meals were above average and 21% of the products from fruit, muesli and meals were too diluted to ensure correct nutrition.

In the study, concerns about products that are suitable for babies from four months were also reported – contradictory towards NHS and guidelines for the World Health Organization that did not stop earlier than six months. In response to this, a coalition of 40 leading health organizations asked the government to tighten the regulations for the commercial baby food sector.

With the parents who wondered how they can best nourish their little ones, the nutrition expert for children and the author Annabel Karmel, MBE, shared her advice, simple, healthy homemade meals that provide important nutrients without unnecessary sugar or additives.

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1. Introduction of bitter taste early

“Babies are born with a sweet tooth because they are first exposed to chest or formula milk, which of course contains sweet, tasting lactose,” explains Carmel. “Offer these sweet root vegetables such as carrot and butternut pumpkins and fruit as the first food, but you also have to ensure that you offer the bitterly tasting vegetables even in these early days.”

“With the broccoli, spinach and cauliflower, a world, apart from what they are familiar with, are therefore a little endurance to accept these flavors – sometimes only a vegetable produces an appealing, nutty taste.”

2. Prioritize iron, protein and omega-3

Carmel warns of pulling her feet when it comes to introducing vital nutrients in the discontinuation of infants: “If you start fruit and vegetables in the first few weeks, start with critical nutrients such as protein, iron, iron and omega -3 fatty acids that quickly relax, start, fertile, suggests”. “

For babies who get their diet without meat, Carmel suggests to serve iron -rich meals more often – twice a day or for every meal for vegetarian together (that's around three portions daily). “Vitamin C helps with iron absorption. Therefore, try to combine iron with food with a vitamin C-rich foods such as strawberries, mango, orange segments, red peppers, tomatoes, broccoli or leaf vegetables,” advises Carmel.

“And when it comes to brain development, these omega 3 essential fatty acids are very important, so that oily fish such as salmon should be offered twice a week.”

3 .. Promote finger food

“Soft finger foods can be offered from six months and are great to promote their independence, to introduce texture and practice these hand-to-eye coordination”, suggests Carmel and adds: “Frittata muffins, skips, croquettes and Kroketten are always a hit of babies and small children and it is so quick and inexpensive.”

4. Exchange sugar -containing grain for oats

“Choose porridge, make oats overnight or just roast with finely chopped nuts and seeds and then serve with Greek yogurt and berries,” recommends Carmel. “Hafers are also a great basis for healthy pancakes – everything they need is banana, egg and oats.”

5. Make your own nutrient -rich ice skolls

“Homemade ice cream sucks are lower at sugar and you can also end them with vegetables,” says Carmel. “It is also a great way to use the best of fruit or vegetables that you have to consume. One of my favorite combinations is beetroot and Berry or try carrots, kiwi, mango and banana.”

6. Choose balanced snacks

“Sensual snacks can provide an important source of nutrients or offer urgently needed energy boosts, especially if you learn so many new skills,” says Carmel. “With a healthy snack, everything revolves around balance and variety.

“Encourage your little, new flavors and textures and at the same time keep your hoses happy and nourished. Think of fruits and yogurt, banana slices with peanut butter, hearty muffins, avocado on toast, pitta, hummus and vegetable bars, for example.”

Carmel's popular Frittata Muffin recipe is an ideal make-a-head finger food for babies from six months.

Annabel Karmel's Frittata Muffins

Makes 12 – suitable from 6 months

Ingredients:

• 100 g of new potatoes
• 5 large eggs
• 75g grated cheddar
• 4 chopped spring onions
• 50 g of frozen peas
• 6 chopped cherry tomatoes

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 ° C. Grease a 12-hole muffin form lightly or steer it with silicone cases.
2. Cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, cool and then dice.
3. Beat the eggs in a large bowl, stir in all the ingredients and then put them in muffin form.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it is golden. Before serving, cool in sheet metal.

For further recipes, Annabel app has 1,000 family -friendly ideas and new additions per week.

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