My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

This topic is for Q & As run by Mumsnet. If you'd like to sponsor a Q & A, please email [email protected].

MNHQ have commented on this thread

Sponsored Q&As

Q&A with dietitian and nutritionist Jane Clarke about family nutrition - ANSWERS BACK

52 replies

RachelMumsnet · 17/09/2013 12:19

We're running a Q&A about family nutrition with dietitian and nutritionist Jane Clarke. Jane last joined us for a webchat in February 2011 when she talked about the best diet for those with different medical conditions, the best foods to keep energy levels up and how to deal with children's fussy eating habits. We're offering you another chance to tap into Jane's expertise.

Jane Clarke, BSc (Honours) SRD, is Britains most trusted Nutritionist and a trained Cordon Bleu Chef. Her mission is to change peoples lives through the power of nourishment and she has pursued this ambition through her extensive writing, TV presenting, personal appearances, charity work and private practices, which she has run for over 15 years. Janes philosophy recognises that people want to hear what they can eat, not what they must avoid. Through her love of good food, and thanks to her skills as a chef, nutritionist and a dietician, Jane creates recipes that enable people to lead a better, healthier life  food thats good for the mind, body and soul. 
 
Whole Earth producers of natural and healthier foods, has teamed up with Jane Clarke to help families get their nutrition back on track and give everyone the chance to put their questions and concerns to an expert. Could a change in nutrition improve you or your childs mood and behaviour? Are you mistaking hunger for thirst? What foods keep your guts feeling healthy and functioning properly? Post your questions to her before the end of Monday 23rd September and we'll post Jane's answers back on 30th September.

If youd like to hear what Jane has to say on the subject of nutrition and put a question to her live on air you can also join a live webinar on Thurs 19th Sept @ 3pm. Alongside Whole Earth brand controller, Nikki French, Jane will be talking through her advice on issues such as breakfast-time and how to make snacks part of positive nutrition. To join this webinar and put a question to Jane please register here. Following the webinar Whole Earth be sending out jars of peanut butter samples to attendees.

This Q&A is sponsored by Whole Earth

OP posts:
Report
AnnMumsnet · 17/09/2013 19:55

Oh I have a Q - hope ok! Green Veg: my 7 year old DS can detect even the tiniest bit of broccoli or pea in his mouth and says he doesn't like anything green. I sometimes get some spinach into him in sauces etc (blended) but is it so important to eat green veg or should I just forget about it? He only will eat sweetcorn and carrots veg wise though he'll have most types of fruit.

thanks

Report
aristocat · 17/09/2013 20:43

Hello Jane, my question is skincare please. What can my DC do to keep their skin clear and free from spots besides drinking lots of water?

Thank you Smile

Report
DoItTooJulia · 18/09/2013 15:57

Hi,

We are vegetarian and I wonder how much protein I should be giving my 8 year old son and 10 month old son?

And should they be taking vitamin supplements?

Report
VelvetStrider · 18/09/2013 16:12

What is the best strategy to use to get healthy food into fussy, stubborn children and husbands? It's difficult to hide vegetables when they don't like many of the types of foods in which vegetables can be hidden, and we can't have bolognese every night!

Report
Calypso2 · 18/09/2013 16:21

Hi Jane, I used to read your column in The Observer every week. My question is also about teenagers. My daughter is going through puberty but is a very fussy eater. At home she eats some meat, some fish, eggs, cheese, milk, rice, couscous, noodles and 2 varieties of vegetables (although I make sure she has some everyday). No fruit although she drinks lots of fruit juice. At school she seems to have chicken and rice everyday.

The problem now is that she goes out a lot at weekends and during school holidays etc and so I'm unable to monitor what she eats as much as when she was younger, though I know there's a fair bit of fast food seems to get eaten. Do you have any advice on how I can ensure she has a suitable diet for her age (14). Would you recommend that she takes supplements?

Report
MacNCheese · 18/09/2013 16:28

There is alot of talk about 'cheap meat' being bad for our children.
Why? I thought offal was good for you.

Report
wheredidiputit · 18/09/2013 18:04

My question is related to 'free' school meals for KS1 pupils

What would you include in a healthy meal/menu including portion size as we quite often hear that they are small or is it that the portion sizes we dish up at home are to big.

Report
stillstanding29 · 18/09/2013 18:48

Hi Jane - Do you have any ideas for snacks for teenage boys after school? My boys are absolutely starving when they get in at about 4 and can eat a whole pack of biscuits etc each. They are 6ft and sporty and muscly and not overweight at all. But what would be better for them and maybe stop them crashing out on the sofa as the rubbish energy from the carbs whizzes in and out of their systems? Hope that makes some sense.

Report
VerySmallSqueak · 18/09/2013 19:21

I have changed recently to organic skimmed milk. Our diet is mainly non- organic because of cost but I try to shop organic as much as I am able.

What would you recommend as being the more important things to consider buying organic if someone wishes to be as organic as possible but has to be selective?

Report
noblegiraffe · 18/09/2013 19:30

Hi Jane, my son has just started school and is having packed lunches. I'd like to put in a carton of fruit juice or a smoothie but the news lately is that these are as full of sugar as a can of coke and bad for you.

Is sugar from fruit so bad for you that we should be avoiding fruit/fruit juices in our and our children's diet? The 5 a day message, and a carton of juice being 'one of your 5 a day' suggests that it's healthy!

Report
smearedinfood · 18/09/2013 19:55

After reading the BMA report on children, I got totally freaked about iron levels for my 3 year old. He does veggies, fruit, fish and carbs, dairy. Quite against sauces. Not a fan of meat. (i was just like this as a child and was diagnosed with very low iron levels when i hit puberty).

Tips please on how to get more iron rich foods into my toddlers diet pretty please.

Report
jellyfl00d · 18/09/2013 22:11

My DS has had bad reflux disease since birth (now medicated quite well), he is quite a fussy eater, likes interesting flavours but his problem is textures and veg and some fruit. He also has issues with things he perceives as too hot or too cold eg ice cream.
What advice can you offer?
Also he is dark rings under his eyes, he gets enough sleep, could he be nutritionally deficient in something?
ThanksSmile

Report
MajesticWhine · 18/09/2013 22:12

My children (aged 13 and 11) often say that they don't want breakfast and that they don't feel hungry at breakfast time. I sympathise because it is quite early, they leave at 7:30 or earlier, and they are usually in a rush, but I feel it is so important to have some breakfast before school so they can concentrate through the morning. I can usually persuade them to have an innocent smoothie or a yoghurt drink. Can you make any suggestions for a nutritious home-made smoothie / milkshake or similar that I could make for them? Thanks.

Report
violetwellies · 18/09/2013 22:34

I think DP may have IBS or something similar, he works long hours on rotating shifts, he's not over keen on meat or processed foods and has the most horrendous (flatulence, diarrhoea) tummy if I feed him lots of pulses, or 'winter' soup. Suggestions for pack ups, or family meals that fussy DS (2) will also eat would be wonderful. Im dairy intolerant so I do a lot of vegan cooking (parp)

Report
ButteryJam · 18/09/2013 23:45

My DD has silent reflux and I am exclusively breastfeeding her, she's 3 months. What should I avoid in my diet?

Also, I've heard cow's milk has hormones in them that are not good for you. Is organic cows milk free of them? I think cows milk upsets my tummy a bit but I love it!

Report
GeordieCherry · 19/09/2013 06:21

What could bf mothers eat more/less of to support their babies round immunisation time? Thanks

Report
Leviticus · 19/09/2013 08:01

Hi Jane. My 2.5 yo DS won't drink milk. He eats cheese and yoghurt but I worry he isn't getting enough calcium. Is it a problem? Should I be making sure he has a set amount of other dairy every day or can I relax about it?

Report
Pagwatch · 19/09/2013 08:35

Hi Jane
My question is very specific.
My DD is just turned 11
She is very sporty and eats well but I struggle with her schedule
On two days a week she finishes school but goes straight to the school gym team for two hours training. I then pick her up (at 6.00pm) and drive her to the swimming pool where she swims with the club from 6.45 until 9.05
At the moment she gets a sandwich and fruit between gym and swimming and something hot in a flask or at home before bed. The problem is she struggles to eat between the two sessions and is too tired afterwards.

What can I give her? Would a protein shake help?
Thanks

Report
TravelinColour · 19/09/2013 11:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mignonette · 19/09/2013 12:57

Hi Jane,

I still make your fish fingers w/ oat and rye crust that was first published in the Observer Interview w/ you in which you also talked about your gorgeous Daughter.

The recipe is amazing and open to experimentation w/ other ingredients too such as the spice Achiote which mixed into cornmeal and rye, makes a fabulous tasting crust too. Your recipes are very flexible.

Your book 'Yummy Baby' was great for small children. Have you thought of writing a nutritional 'field guide' for 'owners' of teenagers? it could accompany them when they go off to university or leave home too....

Report
mignonette · 19/09/2013 13:10

I have one more question. My husbands daughter is in her late twenties and has always had bad posture and a protruding stomach. However the last year her abdomen has bloated to the point of making her look 28 weeks pregnant (she is definitely not PG) and she has also developed cracks in the skin around her mouth (Cheilosis). I have told her she needs to see a GP but so far she has not.

Is there any dietary help I can offer her in the meantime? She is training to be a HCP, eats terribly, is Vegetarian but not a healthy one. Can you suggest ways of 'sneaking' healthier foods into her- I often have an Ocado shop delivered to her where she lives and cook for her too.

Report
busymummy10 · 20/09/2013 21:26

Hi Jane, my DD is 3. After turning 1 she became a real fussy eater. I manage to get veg down her but only when it is in disguise ie. minced up. She helps me cook and knows there is veg in her food but when she sees it whole in her food mixed up or as a side she refuses to try it. She really only likes dry food, mostly foods that have no colour. I have tried a rewards system ie. bubble bath if she eats all her dinner etc and a prize if she tries something new but this is not working for anything with sauces, soup, lots of colour etc. do you have any ideas? She has lunch at nursery but will not eat the proper meal. This means she has pasta without the sauce with some chees, or jacket potato without the baked beans, or veg shepherds pie without the filling?!! And absolutely no pudding which is the best part!! Help

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

sharond101 · 22/09/2013 22:18

My DS is 16mo and only eats fruit and vegetables if it's pureed into his meal. He will eat everything else as finger foods but refuses every kind of fruit and vegetable except raisins and prunes. I am wasting so much (expensive) food offering it to him every time and having him pick it up and drop it or squeeze it but not actually eat it. Sometimes he puts it to his mouth but mostly I think the texture he feels in his hands puts him off. Any ideas??

Report
KarenRChenard · 23/09/2013 01:37

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet for breaking our Talk Guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

PenguinBear · 23/09/2013 19:12

One of my DDs is very fussy and particular with food. She knows what she doesn't like but can't think of much she does. She has a few favourite meals such as Lasange and moussaka, but I can't cook these 24/7 as I worry about her red meat consumption.
I do not have a good relationship with food myself (I had bulimia as a teenager and food is still very much an issue for me - although I try not to show this Infront of the children).

Any advice on getting us back on track? She is reluctant to try new things (or if she does, still doesn't like it).

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.