Q: My child refuses to eat breakfast, what should I do?

A: This is a problem that many parents and children face. Some children simply cannot stomach the thought of eating first thing in the morning, especially if they prefer to be sleeping!  It is important to respect the fact that your child simply does not want to eat while still encouraging him/her to, at the very least, have a small nibble to get them to recess. Here are some suggestions: 

• Breakfast smoothie – many children don’t mind sipping on a cool drink in the morning. Smoothies are quick and easy to make and if you have a spill-proof cup you can send your child out the door with breakfast in hand! 
• With some children it is plain and simple – they just don’t like breakfast food! No problem! Having pasta, a sandwich, last night’s leftovers, or any other of their favorite foods are perfectly acceptable breakfast options.
• Many schools have breakfast programs where students can eat with their friends before classes start. Check to see if this is an option at your school.
• Pack your child an extra snack and let him/her know that they can eat it when they get to school and start to feel a little hungry. You may want to inform your child’s teacher about this special dietary concern beforehand.

Q: My daughter doesn’t like eating meat or chicken, how can I make sure she is getting enough protein in her diet?

A: A diet without meat and chicken can still be rich in protein.  Foods that are a good source of protein include:

• Fish (fresh, frozen, and canned)
• Eggs and egg whites
• Beans  and bean spreads (eg. Hummus)
• Edamame (soy beans)
• Lentils
• Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah -  a grain that is cooked and used similar to rice or couscous).
• Nuts and nut butters
• Tofu
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese

Q: Is whole wheat bread the same as multigrain bread?

A: Whole wheat bread and multigrain bread are not the same thing, but both can be a healthy choice. As indicated by the name, 100% whole wheat bread is made from the grain wheat, while multigrain bread is made with at least two different types of grains.  Check the ingredients to find out what type of grains are used in your breads, crackers, cereals, etc.

The ingredient list on 100% whole wheat bread should start with “Whole wheat” or “Whole Wheat Flour”.

The ingredient list on Multigrain bread will use multiple grains in the ingredient list. For example “whole wheat, whole grain buckwheat, whole grain barley, and whole grain oats”, etc.

Note: Whenever possible, choose breads made with “whole” grains, rather than “enriched” grains. Whole grains generally provide a greater amount of healthy nutrients (like vitamins, minerals and fibre) than enriched grains.

To submit your questions please contact Rebecca at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it