CD – Cecile van Niekerk

Sports drinks are flavoured beverages that often contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and sometimes vitamins and minerals. With children and adolescents, careful consideration is necessary when selecting a beverage to hydrate before, during and after exercise, and outside of physical activity to prevent excessive sugar and caloric intake that may encourage dental erosion, overweight and obesity. […]

When you bring snacks for your team, remember the following: Bring enough for the whole team Check with the parents and kids for any food allergies Make sure to pack perishable foods in a cooler box or insulated bag with ice packs Rinse all fresh fruit, including melons on the outside before cutting them Team

Most tuck shop-bought snacks like chips, cookies, sodas are very calorie dense and can be maddening for parents as those snack foods more like an appetite spoiler than nourishment post exercise. Many children don’t exercise vigorous enough to burn all those calories consumed and some of them experience a “blood sugar crash” or “melt-down” thereafter.

In modern times, our children are growing up in an obesogenic environment. There are all sorts of temptations around them that make them vulnerable to unnecessary weight gain. As parents, we try and navigate their eating choices and assist them in making healthy food choices. However, there are so many factors out of our control,

Proper nutrition plays a significant role in our overall well-being, including our mood and mental health. Several studies have explored the link between nutrition and mood, and the following references highlight some of the key findings in this area. Jacka, F. N., Pasco, J. A., Mykletun, A., Williams, L. J., Hodge, A. M., O’Reilly, S.

Alternative milks, including plant-based milks such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or rice milk, are generally not recommended as the primary source of nutrition for babies or toddlers. Here are the reasons why: Nutritional Composition: Alternative milks, especially homemade versions, may lack essential nutrients that are crucial for the growth and development of

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs due to insufficient iron levels in the body. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. The following information provides an overview of the recommended dietary practices related to nutrition in iron-deficiency anemia. Iron-Rich Foods: Consuming iron-rich foods is

Gastrostomy feeding, also known as enteral feeding, is a medical procedure that involves the placement of a tube into the stomach through a small incision in the abdominal wall.  This procedure is commonly performed to provide essential nutrition and hydration to individuals who are unable to consume adequate amounts of food orally. Gastrostomy feeding plays

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.  It affects people of all ages, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing. Researchers and parents alike have long speculated about the role of sugar intake in exacerbating ADHD symptoms. In this article, we delve into the

FOOD PRESERVATIVES, ARE THEY HARMFUL? Are food preservatives harmful? This is a question that is often asked. The answer to this question is complex as food preservatives are diverse. There is a belief that food preservatives can cause harm to health by eliciting an allergic response in hypersensitive individuals or increase the risk of developing