Westmeath dietitians feature in new book

Recipes from Westmeath dietitians Ruth Charles, Cara Cunningham and Orla Brady are to feature in a “First 1000 Days” recipe book.

The recipe book focuses on nutritionally balanced meals appropriate from pregnancy through to a child’s second birthday to help maximise intellectual development and reduce the risk of obesity, type two diabetes and heart disease in adulthood.

Recipes from the three Westmeath dietitians - sun dried tomato frittata, icy strawberry cream and cheesy chicken and broccali pasta - were chosen for the new book via a competition, the winners of which were revealed today (Monday).

Those behind the book include Danone Baby Nutrition and chef/movement ambassadors Neven and Amelda Maguire.

Speaking after today’s announcement Ruth Charles underlined the importance of a child’s first 1000 days.

“Never is the extent of growth and development experienced during the first 1000 days of human life seen again,” she said.

“Nutrition has a vital role during this time. Food and feeding choices are two of the vehicles through which nutritional status in the mother and developing baby can be maximised throughout pregnancy and early life. This recipe booklet is packed with tasty, practical and easy suggestions to help families transform raw materials that are ingredients into nourishing nurturing foods that the whole family can enjoy.”

Medical director at Danone Baby Nutrition Aileen Regan said the “First 1000 Days” movement brings together years of experience and insight, and it’s being used to drive broader awareness amongst parents as well as medical and public health professionals.

“The First 1000 Days recipe booklet has been produced in partnership with the INDI and includes a wealth of delicious and nutritious recipes relevant to each particular stage within the First 1000 Days,” she said.

“This movement encourages all of us to look at the entirety of those First 1000 Days and gives simple guidelines on what can be done to optimise good nutrition from the start. We’re really grateful to each of the dietitians and nutritionists for contributing these unique recipes, which we hope will help give parents the nutritional information that they need to ensure they set their babies up for life.”

Danone Baby Nutrition has produced a First 1000 Days Healthcare Professional resource pack which is available by calling the First 1000 Days team at 1800 40 1000.

To download a copy of the First 1000 Days recipe book and for further information about the First 1000 days movement visit www.first1000days.ie.