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

Are vegetables which have been frozen ASAP after harvesting as good as, or better than, 'fresh', which may have sat around for days or weeks during transit, then storage.and display, before being stored at home prior to cooking/eating?

What are the best snacks for children?

My sons are obsessed with being ripped which at 14 and 16 I think is too young. They try to resist carbs how do I feed them when all they want is protein and keep them healthy and happy?

I often wonder about the nutritional value of fruit. Does it supply vital minerals and vitamins? And does this cancel out the sugar?

what portion sizes should we be giving a 6 year old (compared to adult portions)?

My daughter is allergic to eggs, is she missing out on any goodness or are there any replacements? She's nearly 4

My child refuses to drink plain water and so I have to add squash or give her concentrated apple juice. She is always really thirsty when I pick her up from school. Any tips for her to drink water so she doesn't become dehydrated?

I always feel bad to cook my girls something out of the freezer. Does it really good for them? How should I prove that to other family member because I'm afraid to be judged.

My kids love having butter on their sandwiches and toast, and I wondered if this was harmful, they are 5 and 3 years old, I've tried lower fat spreads, but they won't eat them, should I be concerned? Thank you.

Are branded childrens yogurts any good or are they just full of sugar? Any ideas for an alternative?

Why has the government not implemented a sugar tax to help with combating unhealthy eating habits and nutritional problems in children? I heard it was mooted but not sure why it hasn't been approved.

Both of my kiddies would eat fruit all day if I let them and although they're good with vegetables they'd much rather eat fruit. How much should they be eating a day? (5 year old and 16 month old)

My daughter has to eat gluten free. I give her gluten free pasta and bread. Is it true that these are very unhealthy and provide no nutrition. We eat a healthy diet, no processed foods etc but I'm worried she is getting things that are more unhealthy than the rest of the family. Xx

I want to try and eat less meat as a family. What other things can I use in meals to ensure they get enough protein.

As a child I was given cod liver oil as a supplement and a vitamin c tablet. Do you still recommend these for older children and teens?

my daughters hardly touch my home cooked food but will me they enjoyed their school hot dinner. how nutritious are school dinners?

Fruit is my main issue... obviously the kids love it and I'd always rather them have that than sweets (they do have sweets too) but the question is... how much is healthy? Given the sugar content? Particularly things like banana and grapes where there isn't much in the way of skin for fibre?

I'm confused about how much sugar is OK for a child in a day, whether natural sugar counts, or what to take into account. One of my children is nearly 8, the other is 10. What are the recommended guidelines? Thanks

I have a four year old boy and struggle to get him to eat much of a varied diet. I worry about this. He eats chicken and mash, tuna pasta, fish fingers when I allow, he'll have chicken curry, and occasionally bolognese. He does love fruit, but only veg he eats are potatoes and carrots. At school he eats jacket potato every single day. How can I help him to eat more healthily? I have major digestive issues so can't lead by example unfortunately.

My toddler only wants to eat pasta, rice, or cereal; how do I encourage him to extend his horizons? He's fine with all fruit and veg, so that's something, but really doesn't want any main meal that isn't based on pasta, rice, or cereal! He even wants cereal for lunch or dinner.

My son doesn't like vegetables, and he doesn't like sauce, so I can't hide any in there. How can I get him to get his 5 a day?

My 8 year old is pretty limited in her diet - she will eat certain foods away from home but not at home, which makes us think it's a form of control. I worry about her 5 a day but also that she is missing out on lots of interesting tastes & textures. She is a little overweight. I would welcome any suggestions to improve her eating habits

My son suffers with eczema are there any foods that can agrivate or help elevate his itching?

Are protein shakes suitable for 16 year old boys who are moderately active (play football, army cadet, gym twice a week) and also eat a reasonably balanced diet? I'm worried that it's just extra calories and will lead to weight gain.

How can I encourage my toddler to eat more vegetables? she is very picky when it comes to mealtimes Although she will eat majority of fruits she always turns her nose up to veg can you recommend any tasty meals to ensure she is getting the correct portion of veggies in her diet?