Healthy Fun Food For Kids

Good Eating Habits Start Early!

Good nutrition is the foundation for a healthy life and there is no better time to introduce positive eating habits than in infancy. Many mothers find themselves in a quandary early on, spending a great deal of time deciding whether it is best to feed their baby breast milk or formula. But after four to six months, when it’s time to start introducing solid food, the choices for making nutritious meals can seem endless and overwhelming.

It may seem easiest to reach for that jar of baby food at the grocery store, or pick up a package of teething biscuits for older babies. But good health does not usually come in a jar or box. Food is meant to nourish, and any quick check of the items on most grocery store shelves will tell you that many of the ingredients in these quick meals are clearly lacking in vital nutrients. Kids need to learn how to enjoy whole, plant-based foods that will help their bodies to grow strong, vibrant, and illness free.

There are many healthy recipes for kids that can easily be made for children of all ages.

Babies as early as half a year old enjoy home made purees of organic peaches and apples, with a little dash of cinnamon mixed in. Mash up an avocado and serve between slices of whole grain bread, or steam carrots and potatoes and cube them into small pieces, and you’ve got yourself two quick and healthy recipes for toddlers.

When kids get old enough to watch television, that’s when it often becomes a little more difficult to find health, easy recipes that will compare in attractiveness to what the advertisers are trying to feed them. This is when it’s crucial to set the tone for eating habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Sugary cereals, artificial colors and flavors, and fatty hydrogenated oils are abundant in many store-bought meals, and these are not the best choices for good health.

Kids should be taught to read package labels, looking for whole foods like wheat, brown rice, soy, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Even better, get kids involved in grocery shopping and let them pick their own fresh produce or bulk grains. These wonderful foods can easily be turned into healthy snack recipes for kids like granolas and trail mixes.

Preparing and eating food should be fun, and the best way to encourage kids to eat for good health is to teach them about food and what its purpose is.

First and foremost, we eat food to give us energy. Tell children that we eat nuts, soy, and seeds to supply our bodies with protein for strong brains and muscles. Sweet potatoes, oats, and unique foods like quinoa are wonderful sources of carbohydrates, which give us fuel. Fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber and help us to maintain good digestion.

The best way to promote healthy eating in children is to set a good example. There are many recipes for kids that are nutrient-rich versions of favorites, that may not be so healthy if purchased pre-made.

Try this recipe for a nutritious chocolate pudding that no one will even imagine is good for you…

Healthy Chocolate Pudding

1 package (12-14 ounces) organic silken tofu
10 medijool dates (seeds removed)
2-4 tablespoons organic cacao powder

Blend tofu, dates, and cacao powder, with a hand mixer or in a high-speed blender, until smooth. Spoon into ramekins and chill for 5-10 minutes. Serve.

The kids will go nuts over this one!