Nutrition Menu
Nutrition Policy vindicated once more.
Most parents would agree that it’s important for children to eat healthy snacks. But what exactly constitutes a healthy snack? In 2011, our Wimbledon Nursery took a stand on the issue by banning the use of juices in all its settings.
We argued that juices are nothing short of sweetened water and offer little nutritional value. While some were concerned about this decision, we are now applauded for taking a stand against sugary drinks. We also took a stand on processed food and as far as possible all meals are started from scratch.
Balanced Nutrition at Willows Preschool: 30 Plant-Based Foods Weekly Complementing Fish, Chicken, and Red Meat
At Willows Preschool, we are committed to nurturing healthy bodies and active and curious minds. Our 30 Plants a Week Initiative is a natural addition to our balanced meals, including daily fish, chicken, or red meat servings.
This initiative enhances our menu with a wide variety of plant-based foods, supporting gut health, cognitive performance, emotional resilience, and physical well-being. Combining diverse plant-based ingredients with high-quality proteins ensures that children enjoy a nutrient-rich diet that fuels their growth and prepares them to thrive as happy, critical thinkers.
Why 30 Plants a Week?
The concept stems from the American Gut Project, a groundbreaking study showing that consuming 30 different plant-based foods each week fosters a more diverse gut microbiome. This diversity is key to improving not only digestion and immunity but also cognitive functions and overall resilience. By feeding the body well, we are also feeding the mind—helping children focus, learn, and grow into curious, capable individuals.
Our Approach to 30 Plant-Based Foods
At Willows Preschool, our carefully designed menus meet this goal with a variety of nutrient-rich, delicious meals. Here’s how we achieve it:
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Breakfasts that fuel the day
Like Oat Porridge with Grated Apples and Flax Seeds or Whole Wheat French Toast with Pears.
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Lunches crafted for variety
Iincluding Jamaican-Style Rice and Peas with Spring Onion and Thyme or Mediterranean Tomato Sauce with Fish or Beans.
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Afternoon Teas to delight
Such as Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup or Pesto Pasta with Butter Beans.
Our menus are designed to ensure children experience a wide range of plant-based ingredients that nourish both their bodies and their minds.
Why It Matters
By embracing the 30 Plants a Week approach, we’re helping children:
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Boost Cognitive Performance
A healthy microbiome supports brain function, focus, and learning capacity.
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Build Emotional Resilience
Balanced nutrition plays a crucial role in managing emotions and fostering well-being.
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Cultivate Curiosity and Critical Thinking
Diverse meals expose children to new tastes, textures, and experiences, encouraging exploration and adaptability.
At Willows Preschool, we go beyond providing meals—we’re preparing children for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and resilience. Explore our 30 Plants a Week Meal Planner to learn more about how we’re shaping healthy, happy, and thriving young minds!