Watermelon Kiwi Popsicles (Sugar free)

(Recipe adapted from Nutrition Society of Malaysia)

I recently had a parent who asked me "How do I get my child to like eating fruits?". Well, there is no easy answer, but the keyword is to be patient and never give up. You just have to keep trying to get them to try a variety of fruits.

Make mealtimes matter, make eating fruits as part of the meal package, take time to eat together as a family (yes, now that we are still in this pandemic phase, most of us are spending more time together as a family, so take this as an opportunity to make such changes. You can do it!!). Be a good role model as most children will follow what their parents/adults around them do. If you don't walk the talk, then how do you expect your kids to like eating fruits? However, sometimes instead of giving a fruit as a whole 'fruit', why not be creative and concoct a fun sweet desert that contains fruits. It got me thinking of popsicles. I am sharing this simple 'watermelon kiwi popsicles' for the readers. Most recipes usually include honey or syrup made from water and sugar. BUT, BEAR IN MIND THAT all these are processed sugar and it is definitely not good for your young one!!. Think of dental caries. You wouldn't want your child to have that. Besides that, by introducing processed sugar at a young age (< 5 years old), their sugar tastebud threshold will increase and in the long run, may lead to the development of early onset of diabetes mellitus.

Cooking tools: Popsicle molds (you can easily get it from Shoppee), knife, chopping board, blender

Ingredients:

6 whole kiwi fruit

1/2 small seedless watermelon

Preparation:

1. Peel the kiwi fruits. Slice one of the kiwi fruit into thin coins.

2. Peel the remaining kiwi fruits and cut the fruits into chunks.

3. Process the chunks into a blender and blend until smooth. Pulse to ensure every chunk is blended well.

4. Do the same for the watermelon. Process the chunks into a blender till blend well.

5. Place one thin coin of kiwi inside each of the popsicle mold.

6. Pour the watermelon juice into the mold till 1/2 full. Followed by the kiwi juice.

7. Freeze until completely frozen (usually about 4 hours) and then serve.

8. To remove the popsicles from the mold, fill your sink with hot water and immerse the mold for 5 seconds (but not reaching the top lip).

Get your child to make their own popsicles. By getting them involved in the food-making process, sooner or later they will be willing to try to eat 'whole fruit'. Happy bonding with your loved ones. Don't forget to post photos of you and your kids doing so as well as the final product.