Do you dread meal time with your kids? Getting them to eat healthy food can be tiring and downright daunting! But don’t despair! We’ve compiled some of our family’s favorite healthy recipes that are sure to suit even the pickiest of eaters. These recipes are kid-friendly, nutritious, and sure to make meal time a little easier.
1. Nourishing Meals the Whole Family Will Love
Eating as a family is a great way to nourish relationships and foster a sense of togetherness. But it’s also important to make sure that the food being served nourishes your body, too. Here are some great meal ideas that everyone can look forward to:
- Crispy Baked Salmon: Crispy bits of buttery salmon on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve with a side of roasted asparagus and oven-roasted garlic potatoes—scrumptious!
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Now you can enjoy it in healthier style, with a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt. For the cheesiest flavor, use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese.
- One Pot Chicken and Pasta:Here’s an easy meal that you can get on the table in 30 minutes. Saute onions, bell peppers, and garlic with chicken, then add in canned diced tomatoes and some penne. Let it all simmer together until the pasta is cooked, then serve—no draining necessary.
When it comes to balanced nutrition, don’t forget to include plenty of vegetables. Try grilling corn and bell peppers, sautéing kale and green beans with garlic, or simply tossing a salad with various colorful ingredients.
Finally, for a little something special, you could make a yummy fruit pizza. Start with a pre-made sugar cookie crust, top with cream cheese, and finish off with fresh strawberries and blueberries. What’s not to love?
No matter what meals you prepare, just remember to keep it fresh, fun, and healthy for a well-nourished family!
2. Nutrient-Rich Recipes for Balanced Diets
Good nutrition is one of the secrets to a long and healthy life. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help you stay vital and energized. Here are some delicious recipes that will fill you up and nourish your body.
Salad Delight
This light and flavorful salad contains an abundance of nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle the oil over salad and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Veggie-Packed Stew
This wholesome stew is an excellent source of nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1 cup green beans, halved
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Garden-Fresh Wrap
This savory wrap will provide you with an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large whole-wheat tortillas
- 1/3 cup hummus
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
- 2 tablespoons oil
Spread the hummus over each tortilla. Top with tomato, cucumber, red pepper, and carrots. Drizzle each wrap with oil and fold into a wrap. Grill wrap on each side for 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm and enjoy!
3. Healthy ingredients for Healthy Bodies
Eating the right foods provides the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that maintain the delicate balance of your body. Eating delicious, yet healthy food is the key to health and well being. Here are some ideal ingredients to fuel your body:
- Fruits and Vegetables – Packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fruits and vegetables should be a part of your daily diet. Eating a variety of them will provide all the essential vitamins the body needs.
- Whole Grains – Replacing highly processed foods with whole grains such as oats, brown rice and quinoa, can provide your body with the energy and vitamins it needs to stay healthy.
- Protein – Eating lean proteins, such as legumes, fish, and eggs can help keep your body fueled and strong.
- Fats – Eating natural, healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and avocados, can help with the absorption of vitamins and minerals and can provide the body with essential fatty acids.
Including these ingredients in your diet can help you stay in optimal health. Eating nutritious, wholesome ingredients can also help with weight control and disease prevention. Start by making sure to eat your five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and gradually include more whole grains, proteins, and fats in your diet. Your body will thank you for it!
These healthy ingredients are also rich in fiber which helps add bulk to your diet and helps with food digestion and regularity. Not only will they help your body to remain healthy but will help your body to function properly. Whole grains, especially, are rich in complex carbohydrates which help provide energy to the body.
So, if you’re looking to invigorate your body and transform your diet, make sure to add healthy ingredients to your daily diet. Proper nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy!
4. Making Mealtime Fun and Flavorful
Mealtime is a great opportunity to bring your family together and catch up on everyone’s day, but getting everyone to the table to eat can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some tips for making mealtime more fun and flavorful to help your family look forward to dining together:
- Keep it interesting – Prepare meals from different cultures or different cuisines each week so your family can discover new flavors. You could even make the kids a part of the process by giving them the freedom to choose their favorite international dish to sample.
- Experiment with food – Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for everyone! Invite your family to test out new recipes each week, or come up with exciting new ideas and ingredients to pair together. Try to encourage each family member to take an active role in the process.
- Encourage conversation – Mealtime is a great opportunity to start conversations among members of the family. Ask each other questions and come up with fun topics of conversation to share, or just chat about your day.
- Set the scene – The eat-in table should be inviting and comfortable. Place placemats and colorful snack bowls around and create a wonderful scent by simmering a pot of fragrant soup. Set the mood by playing some favorite music in the background and invite everyone to join in the conversation.
Beyond the Kitchen
Mealtime can be fun outside of the kitchen, too. How about grabbing some fresh-baked pizza from a local pizzeria or hitting up the local food truck for tacos and street food? Take advantage of the great outdoors with a barbecue or campfire cookout, too – just make sure everyone is dressed appropriately! Whether you’re having an intimate dinner at home or a larger gathering, you can always carve a little time out for some fun – like playing a few rounds of cards together after the meal.
Taking the time to make mealtime fun and flavorful ensures that your family will look forward to eating together. Try as many of these tips as you can and use your creativity to come up with your own unique ideas – your entire family is sure to enjoy it.
Having an arsenal of healthy recipes to choose from is a great way to keep your family’s meals nutritious and enjoyable. Favorite family recipes are always fun to make, and when they become healthy too, everyone benefits. With these tips, you can create lasting memories of good times and healthy meals. Bon appétit!
