When your kids ask to stop for fast food on the way home from soccer practice, it can be easy to say yes—you’re tired and you know they love chicken nuggets. Things like seafood and steamed veggies may be the last things on their minds, but building good eating habits for your children starts when they’re young.
Next time they ask for something unhealthy, say you have an even better idea, then head home to make one of these dishes. They incorporate healthy ingredients in creative ways that will make your kids think they’re eating their favorite foods, and you can rest assured they’re getting the nutritional goodies they need.
Breakfast
These Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins from The Lean Green Bean are packed with—you guessed it—zucchini, carrots and apples. They are a great healthy alternative to regular breakfast muffins, which are often loaded with processed sugar. They are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast if you’re in a rush to get the kids to school in the morning. Plus, they can last a whole week if you make a batch (or two) on Sunday!
Lunch
Kids love pizza, which is why this Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe from Delish is perfect for your little ones. They are an adorable and healthy twist on regular pizza. To make them, lather on some tomato sauce and add the recommended toppings—or those that’ll go over better with your kiddos—and pop them in the oven for five minutes. Or, make the pizzas into homemade lunchables, and pack the ingredients in little containers to send to school! Whether you make these at home or send them to school, your kids are sure to love them.
Dinner
We all know that kids can be squeamish about seafood. To combat any hesitation, try Quick Fishcakes With Oven Baked Chips recipe from Kidspot. This tasty breadcrumb fish patty is served with a side of healthy baked potato chips. The recipe calls for salmon or trout, but if your kids aren’t fish-lovers yet, try Tilapia instead. Tilapia is a mild, white fish that’s high in protein, packed with omega-3s, and doesn’t have that fishy taste kids will notice.
If your kids aren’t sold on the fishcakes, try this spin on tacos. We can guarantee there won’t be any leftovers of these Tilapia Fish Tacos from Eazy Peazy Mealz. Though any kid (or adult) loves fish when it’s battered and fried, that method is unnecessary with the tasty seasoning this recipe uses. If your kids are the type to pick veggies off the top of tacos, try serving them mixed into a fresh salsa.
Dessert
Kids love their popsicles! One Dog Woof suggests these Hidden Veggies Popsicles for when someone in your family isn’t getting enough veggies. It’s a brilliant way for kids who want dessert every day, but also need a boost in nutrients. Blend veggies and fruits, then pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and add in a few pieces of fruit to make them look pretty before freezing—you’ll have a bunch of treats in no time!
Now when your kids ask for fast food, you can use one of these recipes, which you’ll feel good serving them. Plus, they’ll get the nutrients they need and you won’t have to nag them to eat their food!
Need some more inspiration with snacks for your kids? Check out 5 Ways To Spruce up Healthy Foods that Your Kids Will Love.
Photo Credits: Rawpixel / Shutterstock Inc., The Lean Green Bean, Taste