Category: Blog
My Tuna Nicoise Salad
This week’s Family Meal is a delicious, healthy and tasty take on a Tuna Nicoise Salad.
When I made this salad the weather was still cooler than usual for summer so I left out the iceberg lettuce and substituted it for some broccoli which makes the Tuna Nicoise Salad more filling. And instead of boiled potatoes I lightly roasted some potatoes with onion and garlic cloves to give the salad an extra kick.
Serves 4
Prep Time 5 mins. Cooking Time 20 mins.
You’ll Need:
- 4 Free Range Eggs
- 6 New Potatoes
- 1 head of Broccoli
- 1 Red Onion
- 3 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 large tin of Tuna in Spring Water
- Pitted Olives (if children are eating the meal)
- Dried Herbs
- Drizzle of Olive Oil
- Lemon
Let’s Make My Tuna Nicoise Salad
1. Pre heat the oven to 190 degrees Celcius. Wash and chop the Potatoes into small cubes. Boil until soft (approx 15 – 20 minutes).
2. Boil the eggs until hard (approx 15 minutes).
3. Boil or steam the Broccoli for a couple of minutes until tender.
4. Chop the Red Onion and Garlic.
5. Put the Potato, Garlic and Onion into an oven dish and lightly mix with a drizzle of Olive Oil. Add a sprinkle of Dried Herbs onto the Potato for extra flavour. Roast for approx 20 minutes or until the potatoes have turned golden.
6. Add the cooked vegetables into a salad bowl.
7. Open the tin of Tuna and drain the spring water. Add the Tuna to the salad.
8. Peel the Boiled Eggs and cut into half or quarters and add to the salad.
9. Add Pitted Olives (only if children are old enough to eat Olives).
10. Squeeze a little fresh Lemon juice onto the salad for taste.
Enjoy! This recipe is superb as a summer or winter family meal.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Week
The first week of July is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Week. It is a time when leading organisations aim to highlight the impacts of childhood obesity and request the Government take action to focus on reducing obesity in children, for the health of our nation.
Awareness of childhood obesity and the risks it brings can help parents make better choices for their children. There is a much greater chance that overweight children will become overweight adults, when compared to children who maintain a normal weight throughout adolescence.
Childhood obesity heightens the risk of serious illnesses during childhood and increases the risk of developing long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and several types of cancer.
As a parent there is plenty that you can do to help your child maintain a healthy weight with the support of healthcare professionals and schools. Many teaching institutions now provide an environment where your child can learn about nutrition and health.
Healthy living starts at home and children learn first and foremost from their parents.
Here are some easy ways to assist your child to achieve a healthy weight:
1. Monitor your child’s weight. The ‘red book’ you are given when your baby is born contains useful charts for reviewing your child’s weight, height and development. Always seek professional help if you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s health and development.
2. Encourage your child to exercise and have fun outdoors every day.
3. Feed your child a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruit and unprocessed foods. Minimise the amount of packaged food, fresh is best.
4. Enjoy food in moderation and limit sweet treats to special occasions.
5. Have fun teaching your child about nutritious foods and show them how to cook healthy meals so they are prepared to make the best choices in life.
6. Be a role model for your child and encourage physical activity and healthy eating.
If your child is overweight, you can do something about it. The earlier you act the sooner your child will reap the health benefits, both mentally and physically.
Lydia Oliver – Nutritional Advisor Only Best For Baby
This article was published in the July 2013 edition of Mummy and Me Magazine.
I offer one to one nutrition programmes for breastfeeding, post pregnancy weight loss, weaning, weight management and health. Contact me.
Victoria Park London
We walked to Victoria Park in London today with our bouncing toddler rearing to go on the big slides, a picnic rug and an essential lunch bag full of fruit and cheese sandwiches.
There’s nothing better than being outdoors and running around a park. Victoria Park underwent a huge refurbishment from 2011 until April 2012. There are now some incredible play areas that cater for children of all ages from young babies to teenagers.
Feeding the ducks and the pigeons by the large pond.
Trousers, socks and shoes come off for some splashing in the sand and water play area.
The English Garden with pretty purple flowers.
Having fun with Daddy in the big kids playground!
