Morountodun Okuku The proprietress of an eatery with specialisation in children meals, Mrs Morountodun Okuku, has said they the organisation was established with focus on creating fun, nutritious and easy-to-make lunchbox meals for children.
Okuku, who said that her desire to cook for children started with her being a mother of three, said that she was passionate about cooking healthy and delicious meals for her children.
The professional chef stated these in a statement dated Monday November 11, 2024, which was made available to the media. “My organization, Motherhood with Mo, focuses on creating fun, nutritious, and easy-to-make lunchbox meals for children.
I share creative ideas and recipes that not only make lunchtime exciting but also ensure that kids are getting the right balance of nutrients.
“Whether it’s using colourful fruits and veggies, healthy snacks, or incorporating cultural dishes, my goal is to make sure that every meal is something children will love while being mindful of their health and preferences. “I also try to make the process as simple as possible for busy parents, offering time-saving tips, meal prep ideas, and ways to get kids involved in the kitchen. “Ultimately, I want to help families enjoy mealtime, reduce food waste, and encourage children to try new foods in a fun and stress-free way “My background and my journey into cooking for my children really stem from being a mom of three. “Like many parents, I wanted to make sure my children were getting healthy, delicious meals that they would actually enjoy. I’ve always loved cooking, and I realized early on that if I wanted my children to have a healthy relationship with food, it had to start at home,” she said.
The chef stressed that as a mom of picky eaters, her cooking style is all about making healthy meals that her children will actually eat. She revealed that she uses her background as a chef to get creative with ingredients and make meals fun and tasty, while still sneaking in the nutrition. “I focus on colourful, kid-friendly foods that don’t feel too ‘healthy’—I want my children to enjoy what’s on their plate. Being a mom of picky eaters, I know the struggle, so I’m always looking for new ways to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for both parents and children.
“Definitely! Having three picky eaters of my own has really shaped how I create recipes. I’ve learned that kids can be super specific about textures and flavors, so I get creative with how I present food, like making veggies fun by turning them into shapes or hiding them in dishes they already like, like pasta or smoothies,” she stated. According to her, watching her children try new foods has taught her that what she thinks they’ll love might not always work, adding that she learned to be flexible and keep experimenting. These experiences, she said, have helped her figure out what children actually want to eat, while still making it healthy and fun.
She however, stated that one big challenge today is getting children to eat enough healthy foods, especially when they’re so drawn to sugary snacks and junk food, saying that it can be tough to get them excited about veggies and whole foods when they’re surrounded by so many processed options. “I make sure my children’s meals are balanced by including a mix of protein, veggies, fruits, and healthy fats in every meal. I like to use colorful ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, and other veggies, along with things like yogurt and smoothies to add extra nutrition. “Since my children can be picky, I focus on making meals they’ll actually enjoy, while making sure they’re getting the right nutrients to stay healthy. “In my cooking, I try to make healthy food fun and colorful.
I use bright veggies to make meals look exciting, and sneak in extra nutrients with things like smoothies and homemade snacks. “I also make sure each meal has a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains, so they stay full and energized. My goal is to show parents that healthy food can be just as tasty, fun and easy to make as the junk food their children love. “I love finding ways to sneak healthy foods into meals without my children even noticing. I chop up/ blend veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach and mix them into things they already love, like pasta sauce, soups, rice or pizza,” she said.