I’m a doctor and there’s a go-to dinner I swear by for my family-of-four that helps the ‘body and the brain’

Rainbow Meatballs: A Doctor’s Easy Weeknight Recipe

Busy parents searching for nutritious and kid-amiable meals rejoice! Australian GP Dr.Preeya Alexander has shared her go-to weeknight recipe: Vietnamese-style meatballs packed with hidden vegetables. Dr.Alexander, known for her practical approach to nutrition and her “rainbows on the plate” ideology, emphasizes the importance of variety in both fresh and processed produce for optimal health and wellbeing.

“Every Rainbow Counts”

“Every rainbow counts for the body and the brain,” Dr. Alexander explains. Her colorful approach to meals encourages parents to utilize whatever vegetables they have on hand, promoting flexibility and reducing food waste. Even if a child doesn’t initially consume the vegetables, simply exposing them to different colors and textures can gradually build familiarity and acceptance.

Beyond the Plate: Empowering Eating Habits

Dr.Alexander believes that giving children autonomy over their food choices can be beneficial. “Just having rainbows around – on the table, on the plate – it all counts as food exposure,” she emphasizes. By allowing children to participate in meal planning and make choices within healthy boundaries, parents can foster a positive relationship with food from a young age.

A Taste of Success

Dr. Alexander’s Vietnamese meatballs have become a viral sensation, with parents praising the recipe for its simplicity and effectiveness.

“This is such a great way to sneak in veggies! My kids would actually eat these,”

commented one mother. Another added: “Love the idea of just using whatever’s on hand. Makes meal prep so much easier!”

Dr. Alexander’s approach to meal planning offers a refreshing and realistic solution for busy families who want to prioritize healthy eating without sacrificing taste or convenience. By embracing the power of color, variety, and child-centered strategies, families can create enjoyable and nutritious mealtimes that encourage a lifetime of healthy habits.

How can we as parents, guardians, and community members create an inclusive and positive food environment that celebrates variety, accessibility, and joy?

interview: Dr.Preeya Alexander on Rainbow Meals and child-centered Nutrition

Imagine the relief of busy parents finding a speedy, nutritious, and kid-friendly recipe. That’s exactly what Australian GP, Dr. Preeya Alexander, provides with her viral Vietnamese-style meatballs. We caught up with Dr. Alexander to discuss her “rainbows on the plate” ideology, empowering children’s eating habits, and the surprising success of her hidden-veggie meatballs.

Archyde (AC): Dr. Alexander, your “rainbows on the plate” approach to nutrition is encouraging parents to utilize a variety of colored vegetables in their meals.Can you tell us more about this ideology?

“Every rainbow counts for the body and the brain.” – Dr. Preeya Alexander

Dr. Preeya Alexander (DA): Absolutely! The ‘rainbows on the plate’ concept is all about promoting variety in our food, which is essential for optimal health and wellbeing. Each color in the rainbow represents different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. By incorporating a range of colors into our meals,we’re ensuring we get a wide array of these beneficial nutrients.

AC: This ideology also serves as a practical way to encourage children to try new foods without pressuring them. Can you share some tips on fostering positive eating habits in kids?

DA: Indeed, it’s about exposure and empowerment. Giving children autonomy over their food choices within healthy boundaries can be beneficial. Let them participate in meal planning, and make choices about what goes on their plate. Even if they don’t eat everything, simply exposing them to different colors and textures can gradually build familiarity and acceptance.

AC: Speaking of children’s choices, your Vietnamese-style meatballs have recently gained a lot of attention. What’s the secret to their success?

DA: I think it’s the combination of simplicity, taste, and nutrition. The recipe uses common ingredients and is easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, kids love meatballs! Parents have been thrilled to find a quick, flavorful meal that also happens to be packed with hidden veggies.

AC: Lastly, Dr. Alexander, if you could share one thought-provoking question with our readers to encourage discussion, what would it be?

DA: I’d ask, ” How can we as parents, guardians, and community members create an inclusive and positive food environment that celebrates variety, accessibility, and joy?

Let’s share our ideas and initiatives in the comments below!