a healthy start

The theme of this year’s Organic September is Choose Organic. There are many reasons why we choose to eat organic: health, environmental concerns, animal welfare, nutrition, and quality, but they all point to the fact that organic is the gold standard of food.

As parents, we always want the very best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and development. The food we give them from a young age plays a significant role in shaping their growth, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being, so why not give them the gold standard?

One of the strongest reasons to choose organic for your children is to reduce their exposure to pesticides and harmful chemicals. Non-organic produce is often treated with synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, which can remain in the food even after thorough washing. These PFA toxins or so-called ‘forever chemicals’ accumulate in the body and have been linked to serious health conditions such as cancer. Children, with their developing bodies and systems, are more vulnerable to the potential risks posed by these chemicals.

Organic foods are often more nutrient-dense, providing higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, organic fruits and vegetables can have higher levels of vitamin C, iron, and magnesium,and organically raised meat and dairy products are typically richer in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Choosing organic food can help promote healthier eating habits from a young age. Allowing children to develop a natural taste for whole foods sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating even accounting for the teenage fast food blip.

So, what are our top organic picks for growing minds and bodies?
 

Organic Grass-Fed Minced Beef

Rich in Iron and Zinc, grass-fed beef is an excellent source of heme iron, which is vital for cognitive development and zinc which supports immune function and growth in children. Grass-fed beef also has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support brain function and vitamin B12 to top up those energy levels. Our organic minced beef, made from organic grass-fed cattle, retains all of these great benefits and is an economical and versatile option for kid-friendly dishes like meatballs and burgers.

Organic Free Range Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

Organic chicken provides quality, lean protein that is essential for muscle growth and repair and is also gentle on young children’s delicate digestive system. Organic, free range chicken is rich in vitamins like B6 and niacin, which are important for metabolism and brain health. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are not only more affordable than chicken breasts, but they are also richer in iron and zinc, which are essential for kids' growth and immune function.

Organic Wild-Caught Fish

Wild-caught fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are powerhouses of those crucial omega-3 fatty acids, needed for brain development, eye health, and overall health. Wild salmon and trout are milder in flavour and can be prepared in kid friendly ways, like homemade fish fingers, but consider tinned fish also, like our tinned mackerel, salmon and sardines, they are great to have on standby and and can quickly be turned into easy fish cakes.

Organic Liver

Hear us out - offal may seem an unusual choice for developing palates, but childhood can be a great time to introduce organ meats. Liver is incredibly nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins A, B12, and iron. It provides an affordable way to pack in those benefits as a small amount goes a long way in terms of nutrition. Try adding a small amount of liver to minced meat based dishes like meatloaf or bolognese sauce to increase the nutritional content while softening the stronger taste of the offal.