To celebrate Peanut Butter Day (Tuesday, 1 March), Mayver’s has put together a number of protein-packed recipes to remind parents of the benefits of protein consumption and why they should incorporate it within their child’s diet.
28 founder and Mayver’s ambassador, Sam Wood, says that protein is an essential nutrient for children’s growth and development.
“Not only is protein important for growth, but it also builds, maintains and repairs body tissue, and is an incredible source of fuel. Children who don’t eat enough protein may experience health issues such as fatigue, poor concentration and slowed growth,” says Sam.
“Kids need enough of the right types of protein every day and especially if they’re going through a growth spurt. Good sources of protein include meat, fish, poultry, nuts and dairy,
“It’s best to talk to a dietician about how much protein your individual child needs, but I always ensure my kids eat two to three servings of protein daily. My girls can’t get enough of protein-rich snacks and their favourites include banana PB smoothies, hard-boiled eggs with soldiers, and strawberry-flavoured yoghurt,
“If your child is a picky eater, there are plenty of simple ways you can incorporate protein in their diet, from a glass of milk, slices of cheese or something a bit more fun like my Peanut Butter Slice.”
Sam adds that you should feed children meals and snacks that are high in protein because they can assist in keeping feelings of hunger at bay and help reduce cravings for processed foods.
“As protein-rich foods can help prolong feelings of fullness, it’s a great idea to serve a high protein breakfast, such as multigrain toast with Mayver’s Smunchy Protein Plus Peanut Butter, to set your kids up for the day ahead,” says Sam.
“When children fill up on the right stuff, they will naturally have less room for nutrient-poor choices such as soft drinks, chips and desserts,
“The next time you’re cooking with proteins such as chicken or steak, involve your kids in the meal preparation process. This is a fantastic way to encourage them to try new foods, and to reinforce which foods are healthy and which ones are not.”
For other meal or snack options that pack a punch of protein, try Sam Wood’s Satay Chicken Burger or Mayver’s Protein Smoothie.
Mayver’s recipes:
About Mayver’s
Mayver’s is an Australian family-owned natural spread company. All Mayver’s natural spreads are vegan and contain absolutely no added oil, sugar, gluten, dairy, cholesterol or hardened fats and are nothing but goodness for your family.
Mayver’s products are available at Woolworths, Coles and independent retailers Australia-wide. For more information or recipe inspiration visit mayvers.com.au
