Ask Birds Eye’s nutrition expert your questions about children’s nutrition to win a £150 voucher NOW CLOSED

[AmeliaMumsnet]

With the internet and TV playing host to such a broad range of voices and opinions, there’s no limit to the amount of information you can find about children’s nutrition at the touch of a button. But with so much information out there, it can be difficult to know who to trust. So, Birds Eye have asked children’s nutrition expert, Lauren Woodley, to answer some of your questions and hopefully help to make tea time slightly less stressful.

Here’s what they have to say: ‘Tea time can be the most stressful part of the day when you have a family to feed and coming up with nutritious and tasty meals that your DCs will enjoy is not easy. That’s why Birds Eye frozen chicken is always made with 100% chicken breast, barn-reared chickens and no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. We’ve enlisted the help of nutritionist Lauren Woodley to answer some of your questions, and hopefully make tea time that bit easier!’

Post any questions you have about the nutritional value of the foods you give your children on the thread below and we’ll choose 20 for Lauren to answer. Everyone who posts their questions will be entered into a prize draw for a £150 of their choice (from a list).

Here’s some information about Lauren Woodley:

‘Lauren Woodley is a registered nutritionist working for Birds Eye. She holds an accredited Nutrition BSc, and has had a career as an industry nutritionist for the past five years. Lauren is especially passionate about nutrition education, demystifying nutrition science and translating it into simple, consumer-friendly messages.’

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Wouldn't it be healthier (not to mention the welfare aspect) if Birds Eye and other manufacturers used free range chicken - or at least had it as an option?

what's the recommended fat intake for kids these days- is it still low fat stuff?

How on earth do you get a fuss you eager to eat?! Multi vitamins - does having it with orange juice really make a difference as we are told?

My 3 year old really does not like meat other than ham or sausages. What nutrients will he be missing out on and what can I give him instead to make sure he is getting all he needs in his diet.

Do birds eye inject/ add water to their products?

My 9yo DD eats the same varieties of fruit and veg every day. I'm sure that a bit more variety would be helpful, but does it still could as 5-a-day if it's the same 5-a-daY?

We're a pretty healthy family, and we don't give the girls anything with sugar, unless it's fruit. My OH grew up in South Africa, and likes us to eat as healthy as possible. As a result, between us we cook from scratch and simply don't have puddings etc. However, I'm always concerned about buying things like birds eye products because I don't know whether they have too much salt for little ones? How much salt is the recommended or maximum for children? We have a 1 and 4 year old..

Should children have low or normal fat foods? The advice is very confused!

Can children eat too much fruit

My six year old daughter is going through such a fussy phase. She will only eat plain pasta for tea. She will not have any sauce whatsoever! She does snack on fruit and yogurts through the day, but I am worried that pasta is not enough. Can you offer any advise on what to do to encourage her to have anything with it?

My son is 10 and even at this age is a very fussy eater, he hardly likes any fruit or vegetables and so its hard to give him meals that are particularly nutritious, hence I am going to ask for a referral to a dietitian as he has gained a lot of weight in the last year as a result. I struggle with breakfasts, he doesn't mind cereal but goes off the ones I buy after a week or so .. are there any nutritious breakfast bars or alternatives I can see if he likes?

My daughter is a fussy 9 year old when it comes to fruit and veg. She will only eat carrots and apples. I have tried hiding veg in spag bol, shepherds pie etc but she always knows. Is she missing out on essential nutrients with her fruit and veg refusing?

What are the relative nutritional benefits of fresh vs. frozen vs. tinned veg, e.g. sweetcorn?

How much iron does a teenage girl need to consume?

I have a 9 year old who wants to be vegetarian. What should I be giving her to replace the nutrients she would be getting from meat?

Whats the recommended daily allowance of fruit? I know fruit can be high in natural sugars

I'm finding it hard to keep meal times interesting and think of different meals we can have. Have you got any recommendations or any books I could buy?

What Is a good Way to get Children to eat vegetables if they don't like them

I try to buy fresh mat and fish most days.....but I only find it difficult some days. Is fresh food better nutritionally than frozen?
My son I swear not good at eating fruit and vegetables and I worry he's will catch colds......what is your view on giving him vitamin c tablets?

My youngest DD2 (nearly 5) is extremely fussy about food and I struggle to get her to eat many vegetables or fruit (I have literally tried everything to make her diet more healthy but to no avail!). Her favourite tea-time food is chicken dippers but she often leaves everything else on her plate (ie veg). She has a very sweet tooth also. Conversely, my older DD1 (7) loves lots of veg and prefers many more savoury foods. I suppplement both with childrens' vitamins.

Should I worry about DD2's diet or is it simply the case that children generally choose the foods their bodies need? I have run out of ideas!!

I'm struggling to find healthy snacks for a rucksack on a day out. Individual portions are handy, and things that won't go off (like a banana if it doesn't get eaten!), something for an instant energy boost when tired, and yet not too unhealthy! Any ideas?

My four year old has autism and ADHD his eating is constant and eats so fast he gives himself stomach pains any suggestions how to slow him down and what food should i stay away from he is really hyperactive!

What can you recommend to serve with pasta - my dc's favourite - to create a more balanced healthy meal?

My son who is 4 does not like having dinners- he prefers cold snacks. How can I get him to change his behaviour?

Juices and fizzy drinks are a minefield, not sure whether I give my kids these because of either hidden sugars or in the diet drinks so many artificial sweeteners???