By Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — "Health and Nutrition" is crucial for the proper growth and development of children. With special reference to meals, it broadens its span to the other spheres of life. In order to introduce the concept and enhance the knowledge of our developing minds, The Elite Club Jeddah organized a "Healthy Little Chefs" workshop at Humming Tree, Al-Hamra recently.

It was a very informative two-hour workshop introducing a simple nutrition message to our little chefs, including a hands-on opportunity to learn how to prepare or work on simple recipes for a healthy meal or a snack. Addiya made the event fun and informative at the same time.

Halima Ashfaq, editorial In charge at Elite Club Jeddah, said the workshop was sponsored by Red Chillies Rawdah and Whisk & Whip Jeddah and conducted by the nutritionist expert Addiya Wahaj of Calwatch.

The workshop comprised of three segments that ranged from an introduction to the implementation of healthy choices. The first segment began with an interesting video via which the Food Pyramid was introduced and explained.

"Making healthy choices at a supermarket" was the theme of the second segment. Children were given the knowledge to read food labels and understand the nutrition facts printed on every product. To make it realistic and interesting the organizers had a mock up of a grocery. All-day-to-day items from junk to healthy were displayed in sections. The participants were divided into two age groups. Later they were taken around to load their grocery baskets by making wise health choices.

The third segment was all about "Cooking and preparing healthy meals". Expert Addiya Wahaj beautifully managed to make these healthy choices appealing to the little chefs. The children participated in this activity. A lip-smacking date and banana smoothie, yummy sandwiches with variations and quick and creative finger foods added to the appetite of the little chefs.