A sick child is a big worry but you can help them get their strength back with the right foods and drinks. It’s all about providing the nutrients they need in meals and snacks that will encourage their appetite.
Nutrients in food help the body to recover after illness and repair after injury or surgery. To ensure your child gets the nutrients they need, offer foods from all of the food groups each day as part of three meals and at least two between-meal snacks:
Grain foods such as bread, pasta, noodles, rice, couscous and breakfast cereals- wholegrain versions are best
Vegetables, salad and legumes (beans and lentils)
Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, nuts and seeds
Fruit (raw, cooked, frozen or canned)
Milk, yoghurt & cheese or alternatives (e.g. soy)
Add some healthy fats for spreading and cooking such as margarine spread and oil.
If meals are a turn-off due to poor appetite, a supplement drink such as Sustagen Kid Essentials* with protein and added vitamins and minerals can be more tempting and can replenish important nutrients.
Offer nutritious snacks from the food groups. If they like chocolate, go for wholegrain toast with chocolate spread or chocolate custard rather than a chocolate bar. Ditch cheesy-balls in a packet and go for cheese toast triangles, or add some bean and avocado dip to plain corn chips. If they like ice cream, add fruit and nuts or go for yoghurt instead.
There’s no need for a Masterchef menu makeover or new and difficult recipes. Stick with the familiar ones. Remember, even basic meals like ‘meat and three veg’, spaghetti bolognese and homemade burgers are balanced and nutritious. And if they feel like fish fingers and chips, that’s OK, too but suggest some peas and carrots as well to get those veggies in.
Wholegrain toast with an omelette, boiled or scrambled egg, or baked beans are easy, kid-friendly and nutritious.
Offer your child food that is easy to eat, or cut up their food to make it easier. Wet dishes such as stews, curries, risotto or pasta are ideal as they take less chewing and easy to swallow. A batch of minestrone or lentil soup is great to keep in the fridge - reheat a bowl for a meal or snack. If appetite is poor, cold foods such as rice or pasta salads can be better tolerated as they don’t smell or taste as strong.
Make food fun to encourage your recovering child to eat, whether it’s the food itself or the surroundings. Offer your child’s favourites and think about picnics outdoors or a carpet picnic with friends. Alphabet noodles are fun, and party foods such as mini pies, quiches or pizza have positive associations and you can make your own healthier versions.
An over-tired child is stressful on the whole family and can play havoc with their appetite and mood. Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and rest (quiet time) to help recharge their batteries and they’ll be back to their cheeky selves in no time.
*Sustagen Kid Essentials is a food for special medical purposes, formulated for medical conditions where nutritional needs cannot be met through diet modification alone. For ages one-to-10 years. Must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Click here to download a complimentary Sustagen Kid Essentials recipe book for great tasting recipes to help your child get well.
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.