SOPHIE GUIDOLIN: MY KIDS EAT
Written by Karli Steenkamp
From Ricotta Pancakes to Zucchini Fritters, Sophie Guidolin has nailed the recipes in her newest cookbook ‘My Kids Eat Volume 2”. There is something for everyone in the family. It is fun, delicious and healthy. Sophie has created a fun-filled recipe book with recipes like Humpy Dumpty Toast and The Hulk Pasta. She has really made sure that her recipes are for the best cooks and the people who don’t even know how to use a spatula.
[Text Wrapping Break]Sophie is a nutritionist, master trainer, gym owner and world-renowned fitness model as well as a mother of four. She has over 1 million followers on social media, which proves what an impact she makes on people’s lives. When Sophie was pregnant with her first child, she gained 28 kilos and developed gestational diabetes because of an unhealthy lifestyle. That made her change her diet and started weight training and over 12 weeks she lost 30 kilos. This inspired her to share her views and ideas with the world. Sophie shared her thoughts and inspiration about ‘My Kids Eat Volume 2’.
My Kids Eat Volume 2 has over 65 recipes and there is something for everyone to eat in your cookbook. What was your inspiration for your cookbooks and where do you get your ideas?
I love to encourage my own children to choose their own meals as I believe allowing them to have the choice gives them a greater sense of independence and they tend to eat the meals they select. Having four kids, I don’t have time to make different meals for each child, so I let them all choose a different recipe for each night. My eldest is now 11 so he is able to make the recipes now, which is amazing.
Many of my ideas are adapted from other recipes or altered according to my own children’s palettes.
Each recipe only has about five steps each, which make it easy for anyone to do. Anyone can be healthy and creative with these recipes. Why is it so important for you to be an ambassador for a healthy lifestyle?
I believe that we are our greatest role models for our children. Often our kids may try new things or stray from their childhood routines, but normally we go back to our favourites. My goal is that my own children develop an understanding for nutrition and know how to cook and what certain foods do to fuel their bodies.
What advice do you have to help parents encourage their kids to be healthy and stay away from junk food?
I think everything in balance, I also believe that kids are our greatest mimickers. They pick up on what we do so vastly. If we choose mangoes for dessert, pretty soon they will be begging for them- that’s the case for us anyway.
What is your philosophy for eating?
My philosophy is pretty simple. Keep your foods as close to their natural state as possible, and eat a lot of variety. Remember food is our fuel, we need food and it is never the enemy.
You had a difficult pregnancy and you developed gestational diabetes. Was that a driving force for your success or have you always been passionate about healthy eating?
I was pregnant with my first son. It certainly was my first step as a wake-up call that I needed to change! Growing up my mum was very passionate, so it was instilled into me from a very early age. We grew up eating no processed foods and only foods we grew or harvested. It really did set me up for life.
You have a large household and everyone has their own tastes. What do you do if your children don’t want to eat what is on the table?
We don’t push it. I believe like us adults, kids appetites vary and change often. Sometimes our children eat seconds or thirds, other nights barely a plate. I also believe it is important for them to be able to select their favourite foods and preferences.
Why do you think it is important to encourage kids to help in the kitchen?
I like that my 11 year old is able to make us a whole family dinner and cooking is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. This is really important to me.
Your cookbook is visually beautiful, it has cool names and the food looks delicious. What is your favourite recipe and why?
Chicken Meatballs, they serve well, store well and are so versatile- lunchboxes, dinners or snacks. The kids love them but so do adults.
You have so many followers. How does it feel to know that you inspire so many people?
It’s a pretty crazy thought. I remember one of my friends telling me it was like having an entire grandstand full of people/ that was overwhelming!
What is next for you?
We have so many incredible projects we are working on now and I am certainly one who is always looking forward so I cannot wait to show you what’s coming!
Sophie is an inspirational woman, who helps all parents to see how easy it is to make food fun. Her cookbook is creative, her ideas are brilliant and the pictures make your mouth water. Every recipe has tips or substitutes that you can apply. It is so easy even your kids can attempt to cook. Her book can be ordered through her website and is definitely one for the kitchen shelve.