Healthy Recipes Your Kids Won’t Hate
Every parent knows there’s no greater struggle in life than trying to get a child to eat something healthy. But facing a nightly battle of wills between you and your kids is exhausting. Instead of preparing for war, make your life easier by following these simple tips and delicious recipes to get your children excited about eating healthy.
Every parent knows there’s no greater struggle in life than trying to get a child to eat something healthy. But facing a nightly battle of wills between you and your kids is exhausting. Instead of preparing for war, make your life easier by following these simple tips and delicious recipes to get your children excited about eating healthy.
Why Eat Healthier At Home?
Since “why” will inevitably be the first question your child asks when you tell them they need to eat their vegetables, we might as well address it now. In order to properly develop mentally and physically, children need a variety of nutrient-rich food. Balanced nutrition is the key to a healthier lifestyle for them and you.
Preparing and eating healthy meals at home is also much more cost-effective than constantly eating out. Cooking most of your own meals is an excellent way to reduce financial stress and save money.
Buying wholesome and sustainably sourced organic ingredients ensures that there are no harmful chemicals or unhealthy hidden components in the food you serve your loved ones.
How To Get Your Kids Excited About Healthy Food
Rather than arguing with your kids about finishing their broccoli, try a different approach. There are many ways you can shift your child’s negative perspective on healthy food to get them interested in trying new things.
1. Include Them
Studies have shown that when children are involved in the cooking process, they are far more likely to eat more and enjoy it. Start with the very beginning. Get them excited while grocery shopping by having them choose which vegetables and ingredients they want to try.
Involving your kids in meal planning and prepping also allows you to spend more quality time together as a family. You’ll be able to cherish these precious moments instead of dreading them. Having them help instills a sense of pride and ownership that will compel them on their own to finish off every last bite.
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2. Everybody Loves Taco Tuesday
Theme nights are your best friends when it comes to making weekly meal planning easier. Whether it’s Meatless Mondays or a weekly meal cooked outside by the fire or BBQ, themes provide creative and quick inspiration.
3. Lead By Example
Kids learn by watching the adults. Therefore, lead by example and load your plate up with a variety of healthy, nutrient-rich foods, and your children will do the same.
Different colors equal different vitamins and minerals. Tell your kids that purple veggies are loaded with antioxidants that fight toxins in the body, and green veggies are packed with vitamins that build their muscles.
Eating healthy along with your kids has the added benefit of giving you more energy during your day and workouts.
Healthy Recipes They’ll Love
Once you’ve gotten them excited about eating healthy, now’s the time to wow them with new recipes.
Smashing Smoothies & Smoothie Bowls
Breakfast doesn’t have to be cereal, and dessert doesn’t have to be ice cream. Smoothies are a delicious and super easy way to get your kids to eat more fiber and fruit. Save time and money by shopping for 100% natural, fresh fruit purees to add to your smoothies and healthy frozen desserts.
Add nuts, nut milk, and nut or seed butter to your smoothies for extra protein and fiber. In the morning, set out a build-your-own smoothing bowl bar with different ingredients and let your kids have fun choosing their favorite combos. Letting them serve themselves gives them autonomy and takes the pressure off of you.
Everything Cauliflower
These days, everything’s better with cauliflower. From delicious pizza crusts to pasta alternatives, any dish can be made with cauliflower. Packed with fiber and nutrients, all you need are some amazing herbs and spices, and you’ve got yourself a stellar dish that everyone will love.
Air Fried Magic
With an air fryer (affiliate link), it’s easy to take unhealthy classics like fish sticks and chicken wings and turn them into deliciously nutritious meals.
Bread salmon strips with a mixture of egg, spices, and almond flour, and you’ll have the best fish sticks you’ve ever tried. Crisp up yummy broccoli fritters and zucchini chips for tasty sides that your kids will love. Cook the perfect chicken wings in minutes and serve them with a tangy yogurt-herbed dipping sauce instead of ranch dressing.
Everybody Wins
When you switch from an antagonistic mindset to a more positive and inclusive outlook towards eating healthy, meal times with your kids stop being a battle.
These tips and healthy recipes will get your children excited to try new things, make their bodies strong, and teach them how to make healthier choices on their own. That way, everybody wins!
