When you think of foods that kids love your mind often jumps to items like pizza, macaroni and cheese and french fries. Kids may want to enjoy these foods on a daily basis but the same old recipe can get boring for adults and eventually the whole family. Reinventing recipes and putting new spins on your traditional line up can increase your nutritional profile and help expand your families love of meal time.
The most important thing you can do to help encourage healthy eating for kids is to have an ample supply of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. Always have a fruit bowl in the middle of your counter so kids see this as a go-to option. Try not to label foods as “good” or “bad” this might make children feel like they have restrictions on food, making them want what’s off limits. If your child’s favorite foods are pizza, mac & cheese and french fries try making these items at home in a healthy way. Adding vegetables to pizza with more tomato sauce and less cheese can take pizza to the next level. Mac & cheese can be made with small chunks of cauliflower or broccoli to increase its nutritional content. Real roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes are very nutritious if made with olive oil, seasoning and roasted in the oven. Our Clearly Organic blog has recipes for harvest mac & cheese, which is veggie based, and we have an easy sweet potato fry recipe that the whole family will love. If you are looking for a way to spice up your kids menu check out these recipes!