Fun food: how to tempt tots to tuck into fruit

Although a 'fear' of fruit may resemble one of the core culprits responsible for our offsprings' failure to tuck into their (recommended) five a day, making fruit fun for fussy eaters doesn't have to create another time consuming task that's a struggle to squeeze into our strategic schedule.

In fact, with many minors mesmerised by something as simple as visual stimulation, creating an eye catching concoction can prove to be equally as effective at tempting them to try 'feared' and unfamiliar foods, as taking the time to make a meal that's more masterpiece, than moreish.

Instead of failing to prevent problematic pickiness by pushing your youngster to feast on a prominent piece of fruit, try transforming a small selection of fruit sources into a delicious dessert that combines colour and creativity, with a little of your little'un's favourite food. Although sweet treats such as banana splits may not necessarily resemble an 'appropriate' form of food for children to consume - particularly those who are prone to piling on the pounds - this tasty treat can not only be customized to create a 'banana boat' that's bursting with beneficial nutrients - think potassium (banana), vitamin C (strawberries) and fibre (fruit) - but a sneaky snack that will instantly ignite an interest in the fruit that many minors are failing to tuck into - a common concern that can hinder health, growth and development, cause digestive difficulties such as constipation and increase the incidence of dietary deficiencies due to an inadequate intake of mandatory micronutrients. 

Top tip: to create a banana split that won't sabotage your youngster's silhouette, make these simple swaps:

• Drizzle with dark chocolate (of at least 80-85% cocoa) as opposed to milk chocolate.
• Scrap the squirty cream or use a low-sugar variety such as Anchor squirty cream light (it contains 0.9g of sugar per serving) and add sparingly.
• Swap shop brought ice-cream for a healthier, homemade alternative - I blast three bananas, 150g of natural (or Greek) yogurt and 1tbsp of vanilla extract in a blender before sprinkling with desiccated coconut and freezing for two* hours.
• Sprinkle with flaked almonds as opposed to sugary sprinkles such as hundreds and thousands.
• Serve with a selection of fresh or frozen (thawed) fruits - a selection of berries will create a colourful concoction - as an alternative to wafers, confectionery and/or glazed cherries.

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