(BPT) - Registered Dietitian Mia Syn, MS, RDN
Are your little ones turning up their noses at broccoli and scoffing at spinach? It's time to bring out the secret ingredients - fun and laughter, plus maybe some hidden veggies. Here are my best tips for getting kids to gobble up healthy food that will have them begging for more!
1. Cook together: Cooking as a family can be fun and educational. Yes, it can also make a bit of a mess. But lean into it, I promise it's worth it! When kids participate in meal preparation, they are more likely to try new foods and flavors. Plus getting them involved practices skills like measuring, chopping, stirring and following recipes - great for children's overall development and gives them a great sense of accomplishment. Try a Taco Tuesday night with Kevin's Cilantro Lime Chicken. The chicken is heat and serve, so it's perfect for tiny hand participation. Pop it in your favorite tortillas and create a toppings bar for kids to make their own creations. Letting kids choose their own toppings provides an opportunity to cultivate autonomy and have a little fun!
2. Encourage family meals: Family meals are where it's at! Eating together is a chance to bond and connect, not to mention savor some seriously delicious food. Make fuss-free and fun dinners a staple in your household by putting technology aside and focusing on the goodness at hand. Try upping the fun factor by playing some fun sing-a-long dinnertime music. Or pick up some colorful paper napkins with their favorite characters and let the kids choose Superman or SpongeBob. Studies show that kiddos who eat dinner with their families tend to have healthier diets overall. Take that, mac 'n cheese on repeat!
3. Be a role model: Monkey see, monkey do! Your little ones learn by example, so be sure to model healthy eating habits yourself. Want your kids to eat their veggies? Then it's time to show them how it's done! You can even make it extra easy and delicious by trying out Kevin's Natural Foods 5-minute meals. With a wide variety of flavors, like Thai Coconut Chicken and Korean BBQ Beef, these meals are not only healthy but also incredibly tasty. Add in some pre-washed veggies and dinner is served! By enjoying these convenient and nutritious options, you'll show your kids that eating well can be both quick and satisfying.
Now get out there and help your kids build a healthy relationship with food and develop a taste for nutritious options! From being a role model to trying out Kevin's Natural Foods 5-minute meals, taking small steps can make a big difference in your child's health. So, start today, and don't forget to add in the fun!
