MasterChef alum Tommy Pham has teamed up with Alula Advance+ Toddler to create the Alula Toddler Tummies Cookbook, a new resource designed to inspire parents in the kitchen while raising awareness of prebiotics’ role in toddler health. As a father of three, Tommy brings his culinary creativity to life, offering a range of nutritious, gut-boosting recipes that cater to the unique nutritional needs of growing toddlers.
Prebiotics: The Key to Toddler Digestive Health
At the heart of the Alula Toddler Tummies Cookbook is the importance of prebiotics for digestive well-being. Alula Advance+ Toddler milk drink is rich in prebiotic FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharides), which promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. According to a 2023 study, prebiotic FOS is key to supporting a balanced gut microbiome, which is crucial for a toddler’s overall health.
With just two serves of Alula Advance+ Toddler per day, parents can rest assured that their little ones are receiving the digestive support they need, along with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, D, and Zinc.
Inspiration in the Kitchen: Recipes for Every Meal
Tommy Pham’s Vietnamese heritage plays a strong role in the flavours and ingredients featured in the cookbook. The recipes are designed to be both delicious and nutritious, spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether it’s gut-boosting noodles, frittatas, or gnocchi, there’s something to inspire every parent looking for ways to enhance their toddler’s diet. Smoothies, muffins, and pancakes are also included, highlighting key foods naturally high in prebiotics such as artichokes, bananas, and garlic.
The cookbook not only delivers on taste but also helps inform parents about the importance of gut health, featuring expert tips and insights from Alula Toddler’s nutritionists. See below a yummy lunch option and for more recipes, view here.
Chicky Nuggets, Mash & Peas
Ingredients
Chicken nuggets
• 500 g chicken breast
• 2 cups flour
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 2 ½ cups panko crumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ cup olive oil for drizzling or olive oil spray
Mash
• 1 kg peeled and roughly diced potatoes
• 1 serve of prepared Alula Advance+ Toddler
• 1 ½ tbsp butter
Peas
• 500g green peas
Start Cooking: Nuggets
1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally, then into shapes. Cover with baking paper.
3. Use a rolling pin and pound until chicken pieces are approx 7mm thick.
4. Place flour, garlic, and onion powders on a plate and mix.
5. Place the panko crumbs on a separate plate, and eggs in a small bowl.
6. To crumb chicken, dip pieces in flour mix, followed by egg, shaking off any excess, then coat in panko crumbs. Set aside, then repeat for remaining chicken.
7. Place on lined baking tray, drizzle/spray with oil on both sides.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden, turning halfway.
Q&A with Alula Toddler Nutritionist, Michelle Farnfield
To further explore the science behind toddler nutrition, we spoke with Alula Toddler PHG Nutritionist, Michelle Farnfield:
Q: Which foods naturally boost the good bacteria in a toddler’s digestive system?
What we eat plays a significant role in influencing our gut bacteria. Including foods rich in prebiotics like artichokes, onions, garlic, legumes, asparagus, sweet corn, and bananas can help support your toddler’s digestive health. In times when their diet is insufficient, Alula Advance+ Toddler Milk Drink can provide the added FOS prebiotic needed to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Q: What key nutrients are in Alula Advance+ Toddler that support toddlers’ digestive and immune systems?
Alula Advance+ Toddler is packed with prebiotic FOS to support digestion and a carefully curated mix of eight vitamins and minerals for immune support, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, Zinc, folate, and iron. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining a toddler’s overall health and well-being, from supporting immune defences to aiding cognitive development. One serve of Alula Advance+ Toddler provides 50% of a toddler’s daily recommended dietary intake of iron, vital for both immune and cognitive function.
The Alula Toddler Tummies Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a resource designed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to support their toddler’s digestive and immune health. Tommy Pham’s culinary creativity, combined with expert insights from Alula Toddler’s nutrition team, makes this cookbook a must-have for any parent looking to elevate their child’s nutrition.
