Crunch Bites

Knowing how to read a food label is an important skill, and if you're not aware of some of the basics to look out for it can be a confusing space to navigate. In this episode, Mikala and Nicole chat about the marketing tactics food companies use to sell their products and provide some practical tips to help you choose the best of the bunch when shopping for food that will fuel your family well.  Topics covered in today’s episode:-      Marketing tactics companies use to make their product more appealing -      Understanding the ingredient list and what to look out for  -      How to use the nutrition information panel effectively  Episode links:-      Label reading wallet card, digital or order a hard copy  -      Navigating the supermarket blog. -      More about label reading -      About the Health Star rating system 

Cooking with kids can be a messy, fun, and crazy learning journey. Join Mikala and Nicole, as they share the key ingredients that will help you successfully get the kids in the kitchen and have fun at the same time. Learn about all the wonderful benefits involved in getting kids in the kitchen, the age appropriate tasks kids can help with, and why letting go of perfection helps us all. Mikala and Nicole will share some of their favourite recipes to start the ball rolling and when cooking with kids. Topics covered in this episode:What are the benefits of cooking with kidsWays you can involve kids in the kitchenWhat tasks can kids do depending on their age and developmental stageGreat recipes to start children's cooking journey offThe importance of food safety and hygiene when cooking with kidsOther tips to consider when cooking with kids  Episode linksUnicorn noodles RecipesTranscript 

Yoghurt has earned its place as a valuable addition to a child's day and offers a wide range of benefits that can support wellbeing. This healthy staple is rich in essential nutrients such as bone-strengthening calcium, brain-boosting protein, and gut-loving probiotics.  Join Mikala and Nicole for this bonus episode as they talk about how yoghurt is made, which varieties to reach for and how much protein and calcium ticks the box when choosing the best of the bunch in the weekly food shop.  Topics covered in this episode:  How is yoghurt made? Which varieties to reach for?  How much of the essential nutrients a serve of yoghurt can provide How to add flavour and texture to your yoghurt Tips on serving in savoury meals and snacks  Episode links Study analysis Eat for health How to make yoghurt at home  Episode transcript  

Dairy is an important food group for everyone, especially our kids, whose bodies (and bones) are going through rapid growth and development. Dairy is a great source of protein, as well as containing essential vitamins and minerals such as Iodine, Vitamin A & D, Zinc, and Calcium, all of which are essential for those constant growth spurts!Join Mikala and Nicole for this mini episode as they share information about dairy, the best ways to reach for this important food group, how much to include each day and some good alternatives if dairy does not agree with you. Topics covered in this episode:        What is dairy?        Why it is important that kids are getting enough dairy each day.         How we can include dairy in our kids' diet and how much should they be getting?         What are some good dairy alternatives and what we want to look out for when selecting these products.Episode links:        Eat for health webpage        Episode transcript

In today’s episode, Mikala will be speaking with special guest Emma Groves, Obesity Policy Senior Coordinator at Cancer Council WA. Emma’s work is focused on advocating for policy change in Western Australia to help create environments that support healthy eating. Join Mikala and Emma as they chat about how advertising and business practices of the food industry are impacting children's health, why there is a need for regulation, and what can be done to address these issues and reduce harm for our children.Topics covered in this episode:        What do we mean when we say food environment?        How our kids are exposed to junk food advertising everyday.        What impact this has on our families’ health.        Does where you live make a difference to the amount of junk food advertising you see?        What can governments do to reduce junk food advertising?        What parents can do if they would like to see change.Episode links:        Emma Groves LinkedIn        Emma’s LiveLighter Articles        Episode transcriptIf you want to learn more or contact Emma, email us on nutrition@cancerwa.asn.au or our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crunchandsip/

In today’s episode, Mikala and Nicole give the low down on meat and meat alternatives including why and how to pack protein in the lunchbox, as well as meat alternatives that still contain plenty of iron and sustenance. This episode also touches on ham and other processed meats and some great alternatives to pack if parents are trying to reduce the amount of processed meats served each day.Join Mikala and Nicole, as they discuss the vital role meat and meat alternatives play in our kids’ growth and development and the extraordinary health benefits that come with eating a variety of food every day.Topics covered in this episode:        What is meat?        Why is meat an important food group and a recommended part of our diet?        How many serves do kids need every day?        What are some great meat alternatives?        How to maximise nutrient absorption when eating meat or meat alternatives.        Ham and salami (processed meats) – are these a good option?        Packing protein in the lunchbox.Episode links:        Eat for Health webpage        Crunch&Sip® Pack protein in plenty of ways        Crunch&Sip® Maintain those healthy swaps        Crunch&Sip® Pack lunch like a pro        Episode transcriptAre you a WA primary school, community group or an Early Learning Centre and want to host a Packed with Goodness session? Get more information here: https://www.crunchandsip.com.au/healthy-lunchboxes/book-a-session

Join Mikala and Nicole in this mini episode as they chat about wholegrains, the important role they play in our children's growth and development and some practical tips on how to introduce them to meals and snacks.Whether it’s trying out wholegrain bread in the lunchbox, baking with wholemeal flour, or serving up brown rice for dinner, this episode discusses some simple ways you can encourage your kids to eat more and learn to love their wholegrains!Topics covered in this episode:       What is a wholegrain?       What the difference is between refined grains and wholegrains?       Why are wholegrains important?       What is fibre? And what is the difference between soluble and insoluble?       How to start introducing wholegrains to your kids.Episode links:        Eat for health webpage        Crunch&Sip® Why should we eat wholegrains        Crunch&Sip® Gluten free what's in the mix        Episode transcriptAre you a WA primary school, community group or an Early Learning Centre and want to host a Packed with Goodness session? Get more information here: https://www.crunchandsip.com.au/healthy-lunchboxes/book-a-session

In today’s episode, Mikala and Nicole talk all about the goodness of vegetables and how we can encourage our kids to reach for a variety when enjoying meals with the family.   Join Mikala and Nicole as they discuss the vital role vegetables play in our kid's growth and development, as well as the health benefits that come with eating different coloured vegetables across the seasons. Eating seasonally also provides plenty of flavour and savings at the checkout!  Topics covered in this episode:   Building healthy habits and eating vegetables often.  How many vegetables to feed kids in a day, and what this looks like in practice.   Practical ways to include more throughout the day.  Is fresh always best?  How to save money when shopping for vegies? Making vegetables the star of the show.   Episode links:  Eat for Health webpage  Crunch&Sip® Choose your cooking style Crunch&Sip® Crunch of vegetables  Crunch&Sip® Vegie packed brekkie  Episode transcript  Are you a WA primary school, community group or an Early Learning centre and want to host a Packed with Goodness session? Get more information here: https://www.crunchandsip.com.au/healthy-lunchboxes/book-a-session 

Meet the hosts and learn about how Crunch Bites came to be, plus what you can expect in season one.