Sometimes it can be difficult to have a family meal that everyone enjoys and can also be considered nutritious. It’s important for kids to learn healthy eating habits at a young age since it will help them continue to make healthy choices throughout their lives. There are many ways to make dinner time fun and healthy and the best way to do this is to get the kids involved, consider what they like and expand on that. You can also makeover some of your children’s favorite foods into healthier versions.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most children like some fruits or vegetables but new ones can be a challenge to introduce. Having a make-your-own salad night at home allows kids to be adventurous with some new foods and gives them some control over what they’re trying. When shopping for your salad ingredients, take the children with you. Allow them to choose a few new fruits or vegetables that they find appealing. When building your salad bar at home include a few different types of lettuce, some lean meat like chicken or turkey, crunchy options like nuts or seeds, cheese and several dressings. Add a bowl of fruits selected by your child and you have a complete meal that’s very healthy and satisfying.
Breads and Flatbread
Carbohydrates are a healthy part of any diet when you eat the right ones. Bread should be whole grain and be free of high fructose corn syrup and other additives and also should be low in sugar. Like the previously mentioned salad bar, a dinner of gourmet sandwiches and homemade fries can be fun for everybody. Many of the same vegetables you used in the salads can be sauteed in a healthy oil and added to your sandwich along with a few different offerings of meat and cheese. You can offer a favorites, like deli ham or turkey, and then allow your child to add a few extras to try something new. Professionals, like those at Klosterman Baking Company, know how fun it is to make new and interesting flavors. Flatbread is an easy way to make pizza at home. Add lots of fresh or sauteed vegetables and try some different sauces other than the typical red sauce. Pesto, ranch and BBQ all work well as pizza sauce.
Healthy Fats
Good fats are essential to children as they help with brain growth and development. Adults also benefit from these fats since they provide energy and satiation. Cooking in healthy fats like grass-fed butter, ghee and unrefined coconut oil makes food taste amazing and adds the healthy fats your body needs. Whole-fat dairy like milk and cheese are also great additions to meals. Try homemade macaroni and cheese, made with some of your children’s favorite cheeses, add some vegetables like peas, broccoli or carrots and you have a wonderful vegetarian meal that appeals to everyone.
Eating healthy meals that provide the entire family with energy and endurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Try to add vegetables to everything and always introduce new ones to your kids. Nearly any childhood favorite can be made over into a healthier version and be sure the get the kids involved in the kitchen. Quality family meals help bring the family together.
