How can I get my child to eat more meat and fish?

Need advice on beefing up your child's diet? Then read our expert answers

Often, it's the texture of meat and fish that is off-putting for a baby, rather than the taste, so start by offering mild fish and easier to digest white meat such as chicken, and experiment with ground, minced or flaked chicken or fish. At first, introduce small amounts with the bulk of the plate being vegetables.

Sometimes, combining meat or fish with a sauce or mixing in with vegetables can make it more palatable to your child. Although sneaking meat and fish into her diet can be a useful way to get her to eat some necessary nutrients, it's important to get her used to eating them in their pure form, too. Try adding tasty seasoning, or share the same food as her - eating an adult version.

Fussy eaters often prefer meat and fish in child-friendly forms like fish fingers or chicken nuggets, and these can be good ways of getting protein into your child. However, some ready-made products can be poor quality and high in salt, so if possible, try to make your own, or buy good quality products with decent ingredients.

If your child is particularly reluctant to eat meat or fish, bear in mind that there are other good sources of protein, such as eggs, pulses and beans, so try to give your child a varied diet.

Answered by: Ceri Morgan and Ann Souter, nutritional therapists, www.recipeforhealth.co.uk