PhD, MSc, BSc, SRD
Dr. Elizabeth Roberts, a registered dietitian based in Somerset, UK, with 22 years of experience. She was raised mostly abroad and lived her early life in Norway, Greece and Germany. It was experiencing different eating cultures and behaviors that sparked her interest in food and nutrition. She graduated with an Honours Degree in Dietetics from Harokopio University, Athens, Greece, before returning to the UK, where she earned her MSc and PhD.Elizabeth works both in the UK national health service and independently. She currently works with children and adolescents with eating disorders, disordered eating and selective eating. She is fascinated by human appetite, how we learn to eat and what can go wrong along the way. Elizabeth has authored a book aimed at parents of picky eaters called "Help! My Toddler Is Not Eating: A 30-Day Plan To Get Your Picky Eater To Enjoy New Food."In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys eating well (although as a non-taster struggles to cook without a recipe) and looking after her three pet alpacas, one of whom is a fussy eater who needs to see new foods many times before he tries any and becomes quite anxious when presented with new food.
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Exploring new vegetarian recipes during pregnancy is a good way to stay healthy and nourished. Vegetables provide several important minerals and vitamins required for your baby's healthy growth and development. However, having vegetables, in the same way, every day may make your meals monotonous. Therefore, to eat various vegetables, you can make different interesting recipes. We bring you a list of healthy vegetarian recipes that are delicious and easy to prepare. Top 10 Vegetarian Pregnancy Recipes Take your pick from these ten vegetarian recipes for pregnancy. To be extra cautious, we recommend you speak to your doctor about the ingredients first. 1. Sprouts Open Sandwich: [caption id="attachment_347363" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You Need: ¼ cup sprouts 1 yellow, red, or green capsicum 1tbsp olive oil Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 tomato slices Few black olives Dried oregano, to taste Salt, to taste ¼ cup mozzarella cheese (grated) For the marinade, mix the following: 1tsp vinegar 1tsp olive oil...
Watermelons are [simple_tooltip text="tropical" tooltip="An area marked by warm climates" ] fruits that are high in nutrition. If your doctor has recommended that you consume watermelon during pregnancy, it is for good reason. Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, known to cure the common pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness, muscle cramps, and heartburns while keeping the stomach cool. Watermelon can be consumed in fruit form or as a refreshing drink. This summer fruit is rich in minerals, vitamins, and water and may help regulate blood pressure. However, excessive consumption may result in undesirable effects. Dive into this post to know more about watermelons, how beneficial they can be for maternal health, and some possible side effects. [mj-toc] Health Benefits Of Eating Watermelon During Pregnancy Most doctors will tell you it is good to have watermelons while you are pregnant, as it is full of nutrients and antioxidant-rich phytonutrients (1). Here are some amazing health benefits of watermelon during pregnancy (1) (2):...
Mothers want their children to have healthy and nutritious foods. A high-protein breakfast for kids can be ideal since it fuels them and makes them feel full. However, making breakfast for kids can be a big task, especially for finicky eaters. Proteins help to keep the sugar levels steady while providing essential nutrients. Practicing healthy eating from a young age helps the children stick to healthy eating habits later. It may even help to avoid many lifestyle-related diseases and conditions in children. Read on to know the protein requirements for kids and some of the best high-protein breakfast ideas for them through this post. [mj_protip type="Did you know" title="Did you know?"]Children who skip breakfast have lower academic performance, obtain less iron (a crucial nutrient) and are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI), which indicates they are overweight (5).[/mj_protip] Top 10 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas For Kids Here are ten protein rich breakfast ideas for kids that they...
The famous Mediterranean herb parsley can enhance the flavor of any dish it gets added to. Although the seasoning is beneficial to health, consuming food with parsley during your pregnancy may have certain side effects. Certain oils contained in parsley are believed to induce early contractions or even kidney damage. However, if you are used to seasoning most of your dishes with the herb, you do not have to let go of it completely. Instead, you may consult your doctor about the right amount to use in your diet. Scroll through to know more about parsley for pregnant women, including its side effects and some easy delicious recipes. [mj-toc] Is Parsley Safe During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_888345" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Cooking enthusiasts worldwide use parsley, to enhance the taste of their dishes. Besides adding flavor to meals, it contains numerous nutrients such as vitamins, minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, folate, and antioxidants (1) (2). Additionally, parsley is also used...
Quinoa is one of the most popular healthy foods that babies and children can eat. You may try various quinoa recipes for toddlers to prepare and serve several delicious quinoa preparations. Quinoa can be a source of several essential nutrients and micronutrients for toddlers. Read this post to know more about quinoa and various quick quinoa recipes to prepare quinoa dishes for your toddler. [mj-toc] What Is Quinoa? Quinoa is a low allergenic edible seed that is gluten-free and contains all nine crucial amino acids necessary for your toddler’s healthy growth and development. This seed-like fruit is rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins like Vitamin E and folate. Cooked quinoa seeds are fluffy yet crunchy, and you can cook them to make many nutty delights for your toddler (1) [mj_protip type="Nutrition fact" title="Nutrition fact"]A cup of cooked quinoa (185g) contains 222kcal of energy, about 8g of protein, and 5g of dietary fiber, and is loaded with many vital nutrients, including...
Children love the creamy taste of mac and cheese and want to have it most of the time while dining out. However, store-bought packages may be filled with artificial ingredients that may even be harmful at times. So instead, you can make this yummy vegetarian delight at home by following the macaroni and cheese recipes for children we introduce in this post. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. If consumed in appropriate quantities, it is good for your little one. So, read on and try out these family-friendly recipes to make mac and cheese that your children can enjoy for lunch or dinner or any time of the day without you having to worry about any extra sodium, fat, or calories. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/protein-powder-for-kids_00388209/" title="Protein Powder For Kids: Types And Safety Concerns"] [mj-toc] 10 Creamy Macaroni And Cheese Recipe For Kids 1. 5-minute mac and cheese [caption id="attachment_329908" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] This mac and cheese recipe for...
Mothers look for summer recipes for kids since they can be fussy and refuse to eat regular food during the summers. Children may also indulge in more play and activities in the summertime and show less interest in food. Sometimes, they may avoid eating certain foods that make them feel more thirsty. Adding some nutritious foods could meet their needs even if they are eating less than usual. You may add more seasonal fruits and vegetables to your child's diet. Children may also love to sip on something cool such as refreshment with berries. Read on to know some interesting summer recipes for children. [mj-toc] Top 6 Summer Foods For Kids The main summer recipes for kids are fruit and vegetable-based. Here are some refreshing recipes for kids you may want to try. Fruit Based Summer Recipes: Summer time means a variety of fruits, which are nutritious and also restore the water content in the body. An easy way to...
Blueberries are small, round, blue, or purple-colored berries that grow on flowering shrubs. This post brings you some interesting blueberry facts for kids. These berries are close relatives to other berries such as bilberries, grouse berries, or cranberries and are native to Northern America. They taste sweet and are loaded with beneficial nutrients and health benefits. Blueberries are also regarded as ‘superfoods’ for children owing to their several health benefits and versatility in various dishes. Pediatricians and nutritions worldwide commonly recommend them for babies to help with their healthy growth and functioning. Read on to know more interesting facts about blueberries that you can share with your children and inspire them to eat these berries. [mj-toc] Blueberry Facts For Kids The blueberries are small and round shaped fruits with a diameter of around 5-16 millimeters. These are summer harvest plants that are planted during the spring in parts of North America (1) Initially, they are green but change to a...
[mj-toc] Knowing the best foods to eat during pregnancy can help a mother maintain a well-balanced diet and find healthy alternatives to tackle pregnancy cravings. Pregnant women may feel overwhelmed by the food advice they receive from many sources. Hence, follow what is recommended by your healthcare provider and suitable for you. Also, include various nutritious foods to meet the increasing energy and nutrient requirements in pregnancy. Read on to know about the foods to be eaten during pregnancy to ensure the baby develops well. What Kind Of Food Should A Pregnant Woman Eat? A pregnant woman should follow a balanced and nutritious diet that includes foods from the basic food groups. According to the USDA (the United States Department of Agriculture) and the US dietary guidelines, you should have items from the following foods groups every day (1) (2): Food groups What they provide Servings Food examples Grains Complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber 6 – 11 (1 serving...
Salmon is a fatty fish that is a good source of lean protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) (1). Hence, the benefits of salmon for babies could also be numerous if introduced in the weaning stage. However, before doing so, check whether it is safe for babies to consume salmon and the age-appropriate ways to introduce it in their diet. Read this article to learn about the health benefits and potential risks of consuming salmon, as well as some delicious ways to cook salmon for your baby. [mj-toc] Is Salmon Safe For Babies? Yes, salmon is safe for babies. “As it is low in mercury, it is safe for babies to eat salmon two to three times a week,” says California-based pediatrician and health advocate Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett. Eating salmon can offer nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium, which are necessary for healthy bone development (2). Besides, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids...
Cranberries are small, round, sour berries from North America that are holiday must-haves. The benefits of cranberries for kids are numerous since they are packed with many nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development. In addition, this superfood has several beneficial properties that help resolve many health issues, maintain dental health, manage obesity, and prevent urinary tract infections (UTI). Hence, if you are considering including cranberries in your child’s meals and are curious whether they are good for their health, continue reading. This post will tell you more about cranberries, including their benefits for children, uses, and some cases where they are not recommended for children. [mj-toc]Benefits Of Cranberries For Kids Cranberries can be part of a healthy diet for kids. Some of the benefits of introducing cranberry for kids include: 1. Nutritionally Rich Fruit: North Americans recognized the nutritional properties of cranberries well before science. They used the berry to cure blood poisoning and stop bleeding. Sailors would eat...
Goji berries during pregnancy can be highly nutritious for both the mother and baby if taken in adequate quantities. They are juicy fruits known for their medicinal value while also offering several vital nutrients. The consumption of the berries in moderate quantities may help address general pregnancy-related problems such as constipation and morning sickness. However, eating the berries in excess may cause side effects for the mother and baby. Read on to learn about the safe consumption of goji berries while pregnant, including its benefits and side effects. [mj-toc] What Is A Goji Berry? [caption id="attachment_890177" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Goji berries, also widely popular as wolfberries, are juicy oblong dark red or orange berries. They grow on the Goji tree, which is around three meters high. Goji berries are native to China and taste somewhere from bitter to sweet. Several parts of goji tree, such as roots, leaves, bark, berries, and other parts, offer several medicinal and health benefits....
Baking muffins for babies is a great way to include fruits and veggies in their diet in an enjoyable manner. Their soft, spongy texture makes them easy for babies to consume. Muffins are baked goods made with a batter mainly containing flour, egg, milk, and butter. They can be customized as per preference to make sweet or savory ones and contain dry fruits, seeds, and nuts. However, you may wonder at what age infants can be introduced to muffins. Also, the possibility they contain allergens, such as eggs or milk, could be worrisome. Read this article to learn some healthy muffin recipes fit for babies, the right age to consume muffins, and how to customize muffin recipes in an age-appropriate manner. [mj-toc]Right Age To Feed Muffins To Babies Babies can begin eating tiny pieces of muffins anytime between six and nine months of age (1). However, each baby is different and you should look for the signs of developmental readiness....
The benefits of semolina for babies make it an ideal way to add wheat to their diet. Its fine texture makes it suitable for consumption by infants. Additionally, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used to prepare sweet and savory dishes. However, this coarsely milled wheat is a common [simple_tooltip text="allergen" tooltip="Substances that cause allergic reactions" ]; hence, take precautions when introducing it to your baby’s diet. Read on to know the right age to introduce semolina to your baby’s diet, its health benefits, precautions to take, and some semolina baby food recipes. [mj-toc] When Can Babies Eat Semolina? A baby can consume wheat products, such as semolina, from the age of six months when they begin eating solids (1). Semolina is the coarsely ground endosperm of wheat grain. Therefore, you can introduce it to the baby like any other wheat product, such as cereal. You can cook semolina with vegetables and water to prepare porridge of a...
After childbirth, your body has specific nutritional and calorie requirements that need to be met to produce breast milk and facilitate postpartum recovery. Lactation smoothie recipes can help you meet these nutritional needs with ease. Lactation smoothies are a blend of animal or plant-based milk or yogurt with fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, sweeteners, and cereals. In addition, lactation experts suggest that nursing moms opt for easy, quick-to-make, customizable, yet nutritious snacks, such as smoothies, to curb cravings and avoid eating junk food (1). Read this post for some delicious, customizable lactation smoothie recipes for breastfeeding moms. [mj-toc]12 Lactation Smoothie Recipes While lactation smoothies are healthy, they should never replace main meals. Instead, their consumption is as beneficial as snacks, filling the gap between meals. Here are some nutritious, delectable, and diverse lactation smoothies that you can add to your lactation diet (2). 1. Strawberry and banana lactation smoothie [caption id="attachment_724307" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You will need: ¼ cup oatmeal...
Meatballs for babies can be packed with essential nutrients such as proteins and heme iron since minced or chopped meat is the main ingredient. The other ingredients meatballs may include are cheese, eggs, and vegetables, which also have high nutritional value. These soft, small balls are easy to hold and can help babies learn self-feeding. Additionally, meatballs are typically safe for babies beginning a solid diet unless they are allergic to ingredients such as eggs. However, you could avoid or substitute eggs in meatballs. Read on to know about the safety, possible benefits, precautions, and the right age to introduce meatballs to babies, as well as some baby-friendly recipes. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/unexpected-signs-and-symptoms-of-egg-allergy-in-babies_0087502/" title="12 Symptoms Of Egg Allergy In Babies And Their Treatment"] [mj-toc]When Can Babies Eat Meatballs? Dr. David Shafran, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic and head of Pediatrics at K Health, says,“Meatballs, though soft if cooked well, might initially present a choking hazard and should not be introduced until better...
Breastfeeding is a unique stage in your life when the food you eat feeds both you and your child. Eating well-balanced meals and trying some healthy lactation-boosting recipes for breastfeeding mothers is the best strategy to gain optimum nutrition and sustain good milk production (1) (2). Browse through these lactation-boosting, easy-to-prepare recipes that will not only benefit your health but may also increase your breast milk supply. These delicious and easy lactation-boosting recipes will also provide you and your taste buds a break from the stress of preparing and eating nutritious, well-balanced meals. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/best-foods-breastfeeding-moms_0022432/" title="10 Best Foods For Breastfeeding Moms To Have A Healthy Lifestyle"] [mj-toc]12 Healthy Lactation-Boosting Recipes These 12 healthy lactation-boosting recipes provide nourishment and may boost your milk supply. 1. Pumpkin oatmeal lactation smoothie [caption id="attachment_687071" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You will need: ½ cup rolled oats ¼ cup pumpkin puree 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt 1 apple (chopped) ½ banana (sliced) ½ cup almond milk...