One of the most common challenges for most parents is getting their kids to eat what’s on the menu for dinner each night. Kids are known for being finicky when it comes to eating and are prone to picking at their food. Fortunately, there are a few meals that your children will eat due to the delicious flavor.
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash may sound scary to little kids but is tasty and can be enjoyed by all ages. The fruit is a healthy alternative to using pasta and is easy to make when you want to cut out wheat and gluten from your family’s diet. The squash can be prepared by cutting it in half and baking it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Use a fork to remove all of the strands of squash before adding toppings, which can include marinara sauce, ground turkey, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese.
Vegetable Smoothies
According to chowhound.com, it can be difficult to get your kids to eat their veggies on their dinner place, but making smoothies will allow them to enjoy a tasty treat that includes plenty of kale, spinach, and avocado. You can sweeten the beverage with apples, banana, and pineapple and have it as an option for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet potato pancakes make for a healthy breakfast option that only contains two ingredients, which includes ripe bananas and sweet potatoes. Not only are they sweet and delicious for little kids, but they’re also easy to make when you need something quick to serve. You can make a large batch and freeze them ahead of time to avoid having to bake the sweet potatoes each morning.
Healthy Pasta
Pasta is one of the main staples in most diets but can be unhealthy due to the carbohydrates and gluten that it contains. For a healthier alternative, consider serving this type of quinoa pasta, which contains whole grains that are packed with fiber and protein and doesn’t include any wheat. You can use the noodles to make a batch of spaghetti or layer it into a veggies lasagna that your kids can enjoy. They won’t know that the pasta is healthier or that they’re getting plenty of nutrition with each bite.
Fruit and Veggie Soup
You can make a hearty and flavorful soup by pureeing carrots, apples, potatoes, and cheddar cheese for dinner in the fall or winter season, according to realsimple.com. The recipe is perfect to make after a long day at the office without feeling guilty about what you’re serving your family. The soup can be served with whole wheat croutons or bread for added crunch and texture.
Almond Fish Sticks
According to foodnetwork.com, almond fish sticks are healthy and tasty without having to resort to a frozen option that contains breadcrumbs and is premade. Use a mixture of crushed almonds and bran flakes to have a low-carb option that is fresher and has more flavor than traditional fish sticks. You can serve it with a side of marinara sauce and vegetables for a meal that will become a favorite in your home.
Lightened Mac and Cheese
Kids always welcome mac and cheese on their dinner place, but the heavy meal can lack nutrition with the amount of dairy and wheat used. Opt for a lighter variation that includes part-skim mozzarella cheese, low-fat sour cream, and Parmesan shavings on top. You can also include shredded chicken and kale inside, which won’t go noticed due to how delicious and cheesy the meal is once your child takes their first bite.
When you’re struggling to find new recipes that your kids will eat, there are a few options that will prove to be a hit in your household. Not only are they nutritious meals, but your kids will ask for seconds without knowing how healthy the food is for them.
