A Taste of the Good Life

Since Fifi turned 2, she's started to become a really fussy eater. She was never the easiest girl to feed, but she suddenly got a lot worse around 2 years, to the point where she was demanding fish fingers and peas at every meal. If I tried to give her anything else, she would resolutely refuse to try it. I wasn't prepared to let meal times become a battle, but I started to notice that her lack of eating correlated with temper tantrums, refusing to sleep and getting very tired on a daily basis. So, I've started trying to really focus on cooking nutritious, natural food for her, and coaxing her into eating a more varied diet, with less sugar and processed food. I'm no advocate of the Gwyneth Paltrow approach, I firmly believe that children need wheat, dairy and treats, but I have noticed a huge difference in Fifi's mood and appetite since I have dumped the junk.

Today's lunch, homemade organic salmon fish fingers with parsnip chips and green beans (yes, with a bit of ketchup, but we can't be perfect!)

These are some of the ways I have been trying to embrace a healthier lifestyle, and some fun ways to get kids involved in food.

Rocket Gardens

An inspired housewarming present from Fifi's godfather, this is an easy and fun way to grow vegetable in your garden, on a balcony or even a couple of window ledges. Rocket Gardens deliver a wonderful array of vegetable and fruit plant directly to your door, ready for you to plant up. It's easy, affordable and great fun for children and adults, and a brilliant gift.

Abel and Cole

Offering an amazing selection of delicious and nutritious food, delivered to your door each week, the Abel and Cole vegetable boxes mean you have no excuse not to cook and eat seasonal food that you may not have picked yourself. I particularly love their Baby and Toddler box, designed for pureeing up for children, and leftovers make brilliant soups.

Funky Veg Kit

If purple carrots and stripey tomatoes are your thing, this grow your own kit is ideal. Full of delicious vegetables in an array of unusual colours, it's guaranteed to get your little ones excited about eating their 'greens' (or 'reds', 'purples' or 'yellows').

Bear Nibbles

A fun and delicious snack for kids, the Bear Nibbles fruit Yo Yo's are perfect for carrying in your handbag and keeping energy levels up. I have convinced Fifi that they are sweeties, and she adores unrolling them on the go.

Finally, having Gwyenth bashed at teh start of this post, I have to admit that some of the recipes from her new book, It's All Good, that have been published in various magazines and newspapers, seem amazing for getting you and your family healthy. Although I am not convinced Fifi is ever going to wolf down a Kale crisp, I have ordered the book for recipes like Sweet Potato and Five Spice muffins and nutty candy bars.  I'll keep you posted on how it works out for us!

Rocket Gardens, from £24.99, available here

Abel and Cole offer a huge selection of boxes and foods. The Baby and Toddler box is £12.50 and available here

Funky Veg kit by Plant Theatre, £12.99 available here

Bear Nibbles, available from all major supermarkets and Whole Foods

Gwyneth Paltrow, It's All Good, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great, released on 4th April. Preorder here for £12.00.