Mums, you know that feeling when your children slurp clean the last bit of food you cooked and served them? It is seriously the best, top-of-the-mountain kind of feeling, am I right?! I really think no career or material achievements can ever top that – especially if you have a picky eater on hand.
It is, of course, a blessing to have children who just enjoy eating – they are a dream! But for those who are blessed with little ones who have a more “refined palate”, do not sweat it, we will learn to be more creative in our meal prepping!
Here, we are going to peep into three cool mumfluencers’ kitchens and learn a tip or two on how they get their little ones to wipe out their plates and bowls!
Blend & Blitz!
Remember that time when your baby just started on solids? You would blend every pot of porridge, soups, steamed vegetables, and meats so that your child was well nourished without choking. Remember? Right, news flash: this still applies even if your babies have since grown a full, beautiful set of pearly whites!
What did you say? Children do not eat broccoli? Onions are a bane to your pre-teen’s life? Your four-year-old thinks ginger and turmeric are monsters out to gag her? Well, blend and blitz these nutritious ingredients to oblivion. It works; I kid you not!
There was a time when my son would pick out every single tiny broccoli or cauliflower floret from his bowl, so I started steaming these veggies, cooled them, and blended them with bananas, avocados, and fresh milk, and a spoon of cocoa powder. He treasured every single drop of it. That is a win in my book!
Hi, My Name Is…
Naming your dishes with funny names – like calling the chicken meat as dinosaur meat, for example – is always a fun way to get children to eat up. Make up a story about the dish or meal, rope in your children’s favourite superheroes if need be and tell them how their heroes grow muscles by eating awesome food! Turning a meal into a gastronomical adventure works great with younger but curious children. You know what they say, you gotta start them young!
We Cook Together, We Stay Together
Prepping meals together is always a fantastic way to bond with our little ones! The process would allow the child to feel, smell, touch, and taste a certain “scary veggie” or ingredients and thus, expanding his or her exposure to a variety of foods. He or she gets to ask questions and that is an awesome opportunity to address their fears for certain produce.
In the process of marketing, preparing, and cooking, mum or dad gets to talk about the many types of foods, healthy ways to cook, and the importance of choosing premium ingredients and trusted brands with our children. That time spent together making memories (plus point!) will not just follow the child for years to come, the knowledge passed down will be a legacy, however small it is, that our children will inherit from us and continue to share with their next generations.
The Oil That Binds
For over a century now, Mazola™ Cooking Oil has been a silent star in our kitchens – from our grandmothers’ to our mothers’, and now ours. Many of us would remember seeing mum cooking with Mazola™ Cooking Oil as a little child and now, we are doing the same by sharing with our children. How nostalgic!
Originated from the USA in 1911, Mazola™ products are 100% pure and natural with no preservatives or additives and are free of cholesterol. Most Mazola™ Cooking Oils naturally contain Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids – these are important components to maintain cardiovascular health.
100% Natural, 100% Care
A common understanding of having high cholesterol is when we eat too much fatty and oily foods; but research shows that a proper amount of edible oils that contain essential fatty acids (like Omega-3) actually prevents us from metabolic problems that increase the risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The general definition of healthy oil is one that is free of cholesterol, low in saturated fat, and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. One more important factor we should look at is the Peroxide Value (PV) of the oil. PV is commonly used to determine the rancidity or the state of oxidation in fats and oils. If the PV goes too high, the oil is then considered rancid, and rancid oil will result in the oxidation of fatty acid and eventually increase the risks of diabetes and coronary heart disease. That said, it is great to know that the Peroxide value of Mazola™ Cooking Oils is well below 2mEg/kg compared to some other brands that may be 3mEg/kg and above.
What’s Cooking, Mazola™?
Extensive R&D has been carried out over time at Mazola™, resulting in a range of superior cooking oils and safe for the consumption of our loved ones. All Mazola™ Cooking Oils are manufactured in compliance with the recognised standards – ensuring quality for every family.
- Canola Oil has the least saturated fat compared to any common cooking oil, it contains Omega-3 fatty acids. From salad dressings to sautéing or even deep-frying, Mazola™ 100% Canola Oil neutral taste and light texture make it a great choice for just about everything.
- Corn Oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and Vitamin E – crucial components to control blood pressure and act as antioxidants in our body. Mazola™ 100% Corn Oil has a slight sweetness and is perfect for both sautéing and deep-frying.
- Sunflower Oil contains linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fats that are essential to our body. Its benefits include improving our skin health, lowering cholesterol level, and regenerating cells. Mazola™ 100% Sunflower Oil is mild and pleasant in taste – making it ideal for both pan and stir-frying.
Just as our wise mothers have shown us the way to care for and love our family, it is now time we pass on the baton.
The superior range of Mazola™ Cooking Oils is available in all major stores.