Kids have always dubbed vegetables as “boring”, especially those bitter tasting ampalayas. This makes it hard for parents to make their kids eat healthy.
But parents can always make eating fun for the kids. Kids are active and always drawn to exciting things. Start by presenting the “boring” foods with a style. This way, you can entice your kids from at least trying these out! Here are some healthy recipes that your kids will not say no to:
1. Carrot pancake: Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. But due to time constraints, parents resort to quick meals like pancakes.
Make your kid’s favorite breakfast into a healthy one by adding a vegetable. The procedure is almost the same, just make sure you add blended carrots and use minimal to no oil. Carrots are rich in vitamins A, C, K and B8 and is a good source for fiber. Check the full recipe here.
2. Crispy Cod Nuggets and Potato Wedges: Finger foods, in the form of little pizzas, nuggets and chips, are favorites among youngsters. However, these small meals are almost always fatty and bad for your kids’ health.
Try making a healthy finger food using cod fish with potato wedges on the side. Cod is an excellent source of vitamin B12, protein, and potassium. This meal will only take less than an hour to prepare and is perfect for merienda. Check the recipe here.
3. Fish and Tofu with Tausi: For a lunch meal, your kids might love a mix of seafood and tofu. This meal, which is common in Filipino households, might lure your children with its flavor familiar to their taste buds.
Tilapia fillet is one option for this meal, meaning it will be easy for you to scout the remaining ingredients in your nearest supermarket. Tofu is a good source of protein and all eight amino acids, plus calcium and vitamin B1. If you want to try it, check the full recipe here.
4. Healthy Potato Chips: Kids love snacking on any type of chips. The downside is, most of these chips are high in fat and sodium. There is an alternative for our home-grown junkfood that you can prepare by using healthier substitutes, like organic potatoes and olive oil. Organic potatoes are naturally fat-free, so it would be a perfect afternoon snack for them. Check the recipe here.
5. Sesame-Orange Shrimp:
A gluten-free, low-sugar, low-calorie, and low-carbohydrate meal but surely looks as appetizing as a fried chicken. This meal can be prepared in just an hour, while the ingredients can all be found in your local supermarket.
Shrimps are the best source of Astaxanthin which “supports immune function, cardiovascular health, brain health, and protects cells and the nervous system from oxidative damage.” Trying this recipe won’t hurt, click here to know how to do it.
Eating the right choice of food will eventually help your kids transform into healthier, smarter, and more active adults. These-kid friendly recipes are hearty and would surely encourage them to start eating healthy!
For more expert advice on you or your kid’s nutrition, ManilaMed has doctors who can help you make a meal plan for your family. Visit their site at www.manilamed.com.ph to learn more.
