When it comes to mealtime, parents everywhere know the struggle of trying to get their little ones to eat healthy and nutritious meals. Of course, it’s normal for children to be picky eaters, but as they get older they can learn to make better food choices. It’s important to provide your children with a variety of healthy options so they can learn to make better decisions when it comes to food. Here are some tips on what kids can eat for dinner that are both nutritious and delicious.
Vegetables
Making vegetables the star of your kid’s meal is always a good choice. Not only are vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals, but they also provide a great source of fiber. Try to get your kids to eat a variety of vegetables by introducing them in different forms. Try roasting broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots and serve them as a side dish. Or, make a salad with your kids’ favorite vegetables for a light and healthy meal. Another great way to get your kids to eat their veggies is to make them into fun shapes or try adding some healthy dips such as hummus or guacamole.
Fruit
Fruit is another great way to provide your kids with a nutritious and delicious meal. Not only is it packed with natural sugars, but it’s also full of essential vitamins and minerals. Try making your own fruit salad with your kids’ favorite fruits. Or, make a smoothie with some fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt, and a little bit of honey for a delicious and healthy treat. You can also freeze fruit on skewers and offer them as a dessert or a refreshing snack.
Protein
Protein is an important part of any meal, and it’s especially important for growing kids. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, or fish are all great sources of protein. You can also offer plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, or tofu. Try to incorporate lean proteins into your kid’s meal by adding them to their favorite dishes. For example, add some cooked chicken to a pasta dish or grilled fish to a vegetable stir-fry. You can also make a healthy wrap with some lean proteins, vegetables, and whole wheat tortillas.
Grains
Including whole grains in your kid’s meals is also a great way to provide them with essential vitamins and minerals. Try to opt for whole grains over refined grains whenever possible, as they are more nutritious and contain more fiber. Try making a quinoa or brown rice dish with some vegetables and lean proteins, or make a delicious risotto with some veggies and lean meats. You can also make some whole wheat pancakes or waffles for breakfast or a light snack.
Dairy
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are all great sources of calcium and protein. Try to offer your kids low-fat or nonfat dairy products whenever possible. You can add some shredded cheese to a vegetable dish or top a bowl of oatmeal with some yogurt. You can also offer your kids low-fat milk, almond milk, or soy milk as an alternative to dairy.
Snack Ideas
If your kids are looking for a healthy snack, you can offer them some whole wheat crackers with hummus or guacamole, or some air-popped popcorn. You can also offer them some fresh fruit, yogurt, or a handful of nuts. Another great snack idea is to make some homemade trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and some dark chocolate chips. You can also make a healthy smoothie with some frozen fruit, yogurt, and a little bit of honey.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious meals that you can make for your kids. It’s important to provide your kids with a variety of options so they can learn to make better decisions when it comes to food. Try to include lots of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products into your kid’s meals. With a little bit of creativity, you can make meals that your kids will love.