Nourish to Flourish: Celebrating Nutrition Month with Wholesome Kids Catering
March is here, and it’s time to celebrate Nutrition Month with a burst of flavour and excitement at Wholesome Kids! This year’s theme, “Nourish to Flourish,” resonates deeply with our mission to provide healthy and delicious meals that go beyond fueling little bodies – they nourish hearts, minds, and communities.
At Wholesome Kids Catering, we believe healthy eating isn’t just about filling tummies. It’s about fostering emotional resilience, building meaningful social connections, and empowering entire communities to thrive. Our thoughtfully crafted menus are designed to do more than just provide balanced meals – they are a recipe for success in every child’s day.
Our dedicated team of Red Seal chefs and Registered Dietitians work tirelessly to create meals that cater to the unique dietary needs of growing children. From fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grains and lean proteins, every dish is packed with the nutrients children need to thrive, physically, cognitively and emotionally.
Nutrition’s Role in Brain Health: The Gut-Brain Connection
This Nutrition Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the gut-brain connection – a recently discovered, intricate communication system between our brain and gut. Basically, they’re talking to each other, as best buddies, this means that if one system is happy and healthy, it’s more likely that the other will be too. The foods we eat contribute to protecting and promoting both our brain and mental health, influencing everything from mood to cognitive development.
At Wholesome Kids Catering, we thoughtfully select ingredients that support both brain health and overall well-being. Certain nutrients play a crucial role in boosting cognitive function and promoting healthy brain development in children.
Brain – boosting nutrients we include in our meals:
- Antioxidants: These powerful nutrients help protect cells from free radicals, which can damage our DNA and cells. Antioxidants are abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – all key ingredients in our menus.
- Phytonutrients: These plant-based compounds help protect both plants and people. They’ve been shown to promote brain health and cognitive function. Ingredients like onions, garlic, curcumin, and soy are all rich in phytonutrients and included in our meals. Some favourites are our snacks like edamame or our nutritious leafy greens served with some of our lunches.
- Unsaturated Fats (Omega-3): Omega-3 fatty acids, especially ALA, are essential for brain development. We include omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, seeds, and oils in our meals to support children’s brain growth and cognitive abilities.
- Vitamin D: The “sunshine vitamin” is essential for both bone and brain health. With limited sun exposure, many kids are at risk for Vitamin D deficiency. We include Vitamin D-rich foods like dairy and fatty fish in our meals like all the different varieties of our popular mac and cheese.
Ensuring Every Child Eats, Grows, and Thrives
Nutrition is more than just providing the right nutrients; it’s also about creating opportunities for children to build social connections and develop communication skills. Mealtimes become a time for children to bond over delicious and wholesome foods, helping them create lifelong memories and friendships.
We truly recognize the critical role you, as educators, play in shaping children’s attitudes toward food. That’s why we’re proud to support you by providing educational resources and guidance that enable you to promote healthy eating habits.
Together, we inspire healthier habits and brighter futures for all by embracing the Dietitians of Canada’s theme “Nourish to Flourish.” Let’s empower each other and the children to make choices that fuel our bodies and minds, unlocking the full potential within every child and family.
Explore these resources below to learn more about the gut – brain connection and how nutrition supports children’s health, development and well – being:
What Is the Gut-Brain Connection?
The Brain-Gut Connection | Johns Hopkins Medicine
The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health – PMC