Small Kaphas, big impact: We explain nutritional tips for children from Ayurvedic teachings. Because every child is different and special. Many parents also notice this every day in their eating habits.
At Ayurveda workshops, unsettled mothers repeatedly ask questions about the most sensible diet possible for their little ones. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is far less complex than one might initially assume. A short excursion into the Ayurvedic theory of the elements: Children are mainly influenced by the effects of the Kapha dosha and the underlying elements of water and earth. Kapha stands for growth, calm and stability. These attributes are particularly true for children.
Always want to eat the same thing? Completely normal for children
The taste, which is made up of water and earth, is sweet. For this reason, many children have a strong addiction to sweets. Combined with the stability and steadfastness of the Kapha dosha , it can be explained why children can easily eat the same dish for weeks. It’s part of their nature. Another characteristic of Kapha dosha is cold. Warm dishes therefore provide balance and have a calming and strengthening effect on the little ones. So there is no reason to despair if children just want pizza. The solution is to bake a delicious, homemade pizza with them.
Children are little gourmets
Children are extremely demanding and sensitive eaters. This is partly because they still have most of the taste buds on their tongues. As in many other areas, children are wonderfully open here: their feedback on boring food is spontaneous and direct – all the spinach can end up flying all over the kitchen. I can only encourage all parents to dig into the spice box (e.g. peppers, sweet curry) and the herb bed . As long as the sweet taste with a warming character dominates, everything is good. So Ayurveda for children is not that complicated.
Salad refuser? No reason to worry
Relax if your little one doesn’t want salad. The cold, dry, bitter properties run counter to the needs of many children . It’s like trying to squeeze a round puzzle piece into a square opening: hopeless… It makes more sense to get involved with the nature of children. They are pressed into solid systems soon enough. Beforehand, a berry fruit pizza or a puff pastry with sweet cream and vegetables is a much more enjoyable experience. Just give it a try, we have a delicious recipe for you here. It’s best to prepare the delicious pieces together with the children – because children are twice as likely to eat what they can chop themselves.
Ayurveda for children: puff pastry pieces with chopped vegetables
(Makes about 6 to 8 particles)
a roll of puff pastry
1 cup of crème fraiche
1⁄2 teaspoon cane sugar
1 small bunch of chives
1 pinch of salt and pepper
1 pepper
1 zucchini
2 carrots
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
Sunflower oil or ghee for frying
Preparation:
Roll out the puff pastry and press it lightly into the dough with a coffee cup. Cut out these outlines with a knife and place the dough on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Form the remaining dough into a ball, roll out and process in the same way.
Cut the chives into fine rolls and mix with the crème fraîche, salt and pepper. Cut the vegetables into thin slices, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and season with the curry . Spread the crème fraîche evenly on the dough circles, add the vegetables on top and bake at 200 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Recipe for fruity fruit pizza
(Makes about 15 small pizzas)
Dough:
400g wheat or spelled flour
200ml water
1 tbsp olive oil
20g fresh yeast or a bag of dry yeast
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of baking soda
1 tbsp cane sugar
Topping (fruit of your choice, e.g.)
2 apples
1 pear
100g grapes
100g coconut flakes
200g drained cherries from the jar
2 tbsp cranberry jam
1 splash of lemon juice
preparation
Make a smooth dough from the ingredients, adding a little water if necessary. Cover with a damp cloth and leave in a warm place for two hours . Knead the dough well and let it rise for another hour. Then form small balls and roll them out flat. Our tip: It’s better to add a little less yeast to the dough and let it rise a little longer. The baking soda ensures that the dough tastes less sour and yeasty. Slice apples and pears. Puree the cherries with jam and lemon juice and spread it over the dough. Ayurveda for children Top with the fruit and sprinkle the coconut flakes. Bake the pizzas at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.
see also: Top 10 Immune-Boosting Foods to Include in Your Diet
