5 Tips for Healthy Kid-Friendly Meals (cause the struggle is real!)
Dreading dinner time every night? We're here to help.
Let’s face it, getting a child to eat, no less a picky eater, might actually be the most daunting task in the world. Whether you’ve been on the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches only train for the past week or past month and just want your child to add something green or leafy to their palate, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together some overall suggestions to incorporate into meal-prep that are not only more kid-friendly, but will also help you avoid processed foods that might be less healthy or have added toxic chemicals.
1. Keep meals simple
Remember that acronym that you probably learned in your middle school writing class, KISS – keep it simple silly? Well, it applies here too. Elaborate meals with too many flavors can be daunting for children’s palates. While you may love the flavor combo of Mexican chili with Hawaiian pizza, it’s probably not going to be a hit with your child. Chose one flavor profile and stick with it.
2. Incorporate your veggies
Yes, we know all things green are the enemy to little ones, so we love to grate zucchini, squash or carrots into soups and sauces for an extra serving of veggies that aren’t just broccoli florets served on a plate. For instance, spaghetti squash is amazing roasted and tossed into pasta sauce. And, if you’re feeling something sweet, zucchini is also great in pancakes and muffins, yum!
3. Make things fun
While we know that meal time probably isn’t your favorite time of day, who says we can’t make it fun for our children? Adults aren’t the only people who eat with their eyes, kids to do! We love to roast vegetables of all the colors of the rainbow, and then serve it up as a rainbow.
4. Stick with one thing familiar at each meal
Or at least the impression that what you’re serving is mildly familiar to something your child has had before. For instance, when it comes to serving fish, we like to turn them into nuggets and serve them with carrot fries! Seriously a winner all around.
5. Keep healthy staples on ice
Not only do frozen peas, broccoli, or ground beef have a longer shelf life, having these staples stashed away in the freezer makes it ten times easier when you’re in a pinch and need to make a quick meal. Next time you’re headed to the grocery store, don’t forget to make a pit stop in the frozen veggie and meat section!
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/childrens-health/art-20044948