Do you have questions about your children’s diet and nutrition?

[CeriMumsnet]

THIS Q&A IS NOW CLOSED. YOU CAN VIEW DR ZOE'S ANSWERS HERE

We all want our children to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet but with so much information out there it can be hard to know how best to support your child’s nutrition. This coupled with fussy eating and a busy lifestyle can make it feel impossible! That’s why Bupa has invited Dr Zoe Williams to answer your questions about children’s nutrition.

• Everyone who shares a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw.
• One Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher.
• Dr Zoe’s answers will be shared as videos on this thread in mid-December

About the expert:
DR Zoe Williams MBBS, DRCOG, MRCGP graduated from medical school in 2007. She has gained experience in many specialist fields within medicine and currently practices as an NHS General Practitioner in London and outside of the surgery is a National Advisor of Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and has served as a clinical advisor to the RCGP. Zoe is one of the resident Doctors on ITV’s This Morning, and has featured as an expert on the BBC’s The One Show, Horizon and Trust Me I’m a Doctor.

Here’s what Bupa has to say:
"Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We do this by providing a broad range of healthcare services, support and advice to people throughout their lives. In the UK Bupa are leading healthcare specialists. People are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we make health happen."

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ
Mumsnet Insight T&Cs apply

I am still unsure about giving my children Salmon - what's the current advice on giving salmon - in terms on portion size and how often ?

Sometimes I use frozen vegetables - I'm busy - it's quicker and easier - I have heard they are the same vitamin content - but due to them being frozen for up to 3 months - is this true ? does the vitamin content lessen over time when frozen ? tia

My daughter has a very sweet tooth, but now she's 12, she is really stacking on weight. She comes in from school hungry at 4pm, won't eat fruit, what high protein snack can I have for her that's as appealing as biscuits?

Are children's vitamins worth it for a top up ?

Butter or margarine on sandwiches ? I have heard so much conflicting advice on good and bad fats ? (sticking to butter for now)

If they won't eat 5 a day - would a vitamin supplement be ok to ensure they have enough vitamins and minerals - and if dairy intollerent how does this help also

I have 2 very picky eaters, they are autistic and I'm sure this is linked.
Many people say to me fed is best but is that true?
They will mostly only eat rubbish for dinner (chicken nuggets, sausages and pizza) and rubbish snacks with very little fruit and veg.
Is it best to just let them eat the things they will eat or limit what I give them in the hope they will eat healthier foods?
One child is already borderline underweight.

Can your five a day - be all of the same fruit or vegetables (carrots and 'nana's are their favourite food)

Fresh or frozen - organic and non - is there much difference nutritionally ?

Do you think the minimum standards for school meals are satisfactory ? ''one or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day. one or more portions of starchy food, such as bread or pasta every day. a portion of food containing milk or dairy every day'' I think not - but feel helpless about knowing how to change or campaign about more fruit and veg - which they will enjoy eating - in the limited time they have

I've seen ready meals for children (Annabel Karmel for example) I havn't used them yet - but as a quick meal, or when they go to grannys, - but what are your thoughts on children's ready meals in terms of additives and salt ?

What would you recommend are 'essentials' in a lunchbox ? what juices are best, brown bread or granary, tuna in sunflower or brine - and what are the best desserts for a school lunchbox. ?

What are your thoughts on oat and almond milk against cows milk for youngsters ?

Is frozen as good as fresh, and are own brand frozen peas and carrots for example any good - I sometimes use these midweek for a quick tea

What's the best oil to cook in when I am browning food ? - I am confused about good and bad fats 😟

How do you work out how many calories a child needs - is there a guidance based on height and age and weight.

Give me your tip 3 vegetables/fruit which your DC should be eating daily - and can you explain good fats and bad fats in a diet - butter or butter like spreads ??

Hi @changer2010 thanks for your question! You can view Zoe's answer here:

Thanks @Frozenone , Dr Zoe has answered your question

Thanks @HobNobAddict, watch Dr Zoe's answer now!

Hi @JacCharlton thanks for the question, here's Dr Zoe's response

Hi @pushchairprincess Dr Zoe has shared her tips :)

Hi @lovemyflipflops here's Dr Zoe's advice -

Hi @JacCharlton

Hi @Nolongerlight thanks for your interesting question, here's Dr Zoe's advice