Foods made from oats and whole grains form the basis for a healthy, child-friendly diet and are therefore the basis for a healthy breakfast for children . They contain vital, health-promoting vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids. Thanks to their high-quality nutrients, oats occupy a special position among healthy cereals.
Oatmeal
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which is the basis for muesli, muesli bars, and porridge, is obtained from the seed or grain of the oat.
The oat seeds are very characteristically attached to the so-called panicles of the plant stem, which makes oats look very different from wheat and other common cereals.
You can find out what else oats can do and why they are healthy for children in this article!
What do oats and oatmeal really offer for children?
Oats and oatmeal are rich in restorative, anti-inflammatory vitamins. The main components of oats are vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E as well as iron, calcium, potassium, biotin, folic acid, and magnesium. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, proteins, and complex carbohydrates complete the composition of oats.
The ingredients of oats keep children full for a long time, prevent cravings, and increase the concentration of the little ones. At the same time, oats replenish the body's nutrient and energy stores and help combat inflammation. They promote the regeneration of the body and stimulate blood formation. In addition, the vitamins stimulate the body's own growth processes and sharpen attention.
Oats make children smarter, healthier, and fitter. As a source of precious minerals, this grain improves the transport of nutrients and oxygen through the bloodstream. Thanks to their property as a calcium supplier, oats also strengthen bones and teeth. Fiber stimulates intestinal activity and promotes detoxification of the body.
Unsaturated fatty acids slow down inflammation and assist in the utilization of fat-soluble vitamins. The mix of proteins and complex carbohydrates balances blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of oats is a powerful ally against restlessness, stress, nutrient deficiencies, and concentration problems.
Because of their low glycemic index, foods made from oats help prevent cravings and are ideal for satiety. Those who are clever integrate whole grains and oats into their children's diets. Breakfast is essential for children and serves as the most important energy source of the day.
In the morning, children have low reserves of glycogen, the storage form for glucose, in their liver and muscles. Therefore, it is crucial that they replenish the energy stores emptied overnight. A balanced breakfast with complex carbohydrates and low sugar content is ideal for preparing the little ones for an energetic day.
Smart and healthy children through whole grains?
The soluble fiber that oats contain enhances digestion and binds fluids. The food components trigger a persistent feeling of satiety and generate energy. Additionally, they neutralize toxins in the body and promote a healthy intestinal flora, which boosts the immune system. The mix of cell-protecting, regenerating vitamins and minerals activates processes in the body responsible for regeneration and repair.
The health-promoting nutrients also improve the exchange of information and nutrients between individual cells. This process sharpens concentration and increases performance. Moreover, the unsaturated fatty acids mitigate inflammatory reactions that can trigger cell damage and contribute to various diseases. The vital fats regulate blood pressure and serve as basic building blocks for cell walls. The proteins found in whole grains stimulate muscle growth and provide essential substances for organs, cells, and blood.
Whole grains are rich in healthy ingredients that positively influence children's physical development and performance. Cereals in children's nutrition or pseudocereals are also sources of valuable active ingredients that combat inflammation and enhance the immune system. Children who regularly consume foods from cereals and pseudocereals exhibit a higher performance curve, demonstrating improved attention and concentration.
Whole grain versus white flour – the comparison:
Unlike whole grains, white flour contains only the inner part of the grain, resulting in low nutrient content. White flour consists mainly of simple carbohydrates, which the body quickly converts into energy. Consequently, blood sugar levels surge, triggering cravings and additional hunger. In contrast to whole grains, white flour contains many empty calories. Therefore, foods made from white flour are generally considered low in nutrients.
In direct comparison to whole grains, consuming white flour is associated with a lower health value. If you want to provide your children with high-quality food, you should definitely include whole grains in their diet. Doing so initiates complex processes in your child's body that lead to a variety of positive effects. However, whole grains are not always a favorite among many children.
For children to enjoy breakfast without protest and persuasion, it must be appealing. At the same time, it should be healthy and balanced. Is this balancing act possible?
This was exactly the goal we at VERIVAL aimed for when developing high-quality children's products. "All parents know that 'healthy' alone does not hold much value if the food is refused by the little ones. We believe that both parental concerns and children's wishes deserve equal attention," explains VERIVAL founder Wolfgang Fojtl.
What can be done if children reject grains?
To give whole-grain foods an exciting, aromatic twist, they can be refined with nutmeg, maple syrup, coconut blossom sugar, low-sugar jam, or Ceylon cinnamon. These additions contain healthy nutrients and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Peanut butter adds a pleasant, nutty taste to porridge made with oatmeal, reminiscent of peanut chocolate bars. Ceylon cinnamon offers a sweet flavor, evoking thoughts of gingerbread and cinnamon stars. Coconut blossom sugar has a caramel-like note, while maple syrup serves as an intriguing sugar substitute. Alternatively, low-sugar jams can sweeten oatmeal and provide a fruity flavor.
Nut-Fruit Bar
Ingredients
- 1 pack Early Bird nut mix (150g nut mix)
- 100 g dried fruit (e.g. cranberries, sultanas,...)
- 1 packet of date confectionery (200g date-coconut mixture)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Extra coconut chips, cranberries, and hazelnuts for decoration (optional)
Preparation
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Preheat the oven to 150°C. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn the nuts occasionally to ensure even coloring.
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Allow roasted nuts to cool. Then chop finely with the dried fruits and date confection in a food processor until a nut-fruit mass is formed.
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Melt the coconut oil in a pan and let it cool down as well. Add the cooled coconut oil to the nut-fruit mixture and mix well.
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Line a 15 x 15 cm square baking tin with baking paper. Distribute the mixture about 2 cm high, decorate with additional dried fruits or nuts, and press everything firmly with your hands. Then wrap the baking tin in foil and refrigerate for at least an hour.
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Remove the well-cooled mixture from the baking tin and cut into bars with a knife.
Tip
Delicious and healthy products for children
At VERIVAL, we understand the importance of a healthy breakfast for children. VERIVAL founder and father of three Wolfgang Fojtl knows from his own experience: "The breakfast table must not become a dispute zone. Experience has shown that this is only counterproductive. Food should not only be pure energy intake for the little ones but should also be fun."
Our packaging should reflect this as well. Our VERIVAL children’s breakfast products focus on the cheeky siblings Yanick and Fee. Their funny experiences in the Tyrolean mountains create a good mood – and who wouldn't want to enjoy the same breakfast as the two rascals on the package?"
