Real "Kid Food"

Raising Healthy Children

I love the question "How can I get my child to eat healthier?" However the answer is not as simple as what some parents want. It takes a little work, diligence, consistency, a positive attitude and a good example.  

To begin the transition, start ADDING in nutritious foods. You can also begin making lateral shifts to healthier ingredients/ products. Like using 100% whole wheat pasta noodles instead of white pasta, natural organic pasta sauce (free of hydrogenated oils, sugars and preservatives), and brown rice instead of white. 

Here are some of the ways we make "kid food" more nutritious and delicious in our home! 

Chicken Nuggets: Use free range, organic chicken thighs or breasts, bread them in almond flour and fry them in coconut oil or bake them. Also see this recipe and a honey mustard recipe. 

Pizza: We love Ezekiel Sprouted Tortillas and use them to make an easy lunch pizza. We usually top them with tomato sauce, vegetables and cheese. Or (like this one) black bean dip, spinach, red peppers, olive oil and raw cheese. Just bake until cheese is melted and pizza is warm.  For a family size pizza, make homemade whole wheat crust and load up with veggies, meat and cheese.

Hot Dogs: If you take the time to look you can find Natural Beef or Turkey Hot Dogs free of nitrates and chemical preservatives. They taste GREAT! Food for Life makes great Hot Dog Bun. 

Tacos: Put anything in a taco shell and call it a taco! I found organic corn taco shells at Trader Joe's with 3 ingredients. We mash up an avocado, mix in broccoli slaw, add leftover ground beef or black beans, salsa and cheese. 

Mac and Cheese: Choose a store bought organic whole wheat pasta mac and cheese (please check ingredients) and add in chopped broccoli, spinach, or peas after cooked. Mac and Cheese is also very easy to make yourself. 

PB & J: For a twist on this sandwich we use Ezekiel Tortillas, top with natural peanut butter (Ingredients: peanuts only) and diced apples. Roll and EAT!

Smoothie: A perfect breakfast before you send our kids of to school. Get creative with different kinds of fruits. Here is a basic recipe. No one will taste the spinach but your cells will love it! Some times kids are resistant to weird colored drinks... so give them fun names! My boys like the names- Hulk Drink (spinach and banana),  Superman's Power Source (strawberries),  and Blue Power Ranger (blueberries).

French Fries: Cut white, red, or sweet potatoes into long "fries" stripes. Coat lightly with olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 400 degrees until desired crispiness. Rainbow Fries are also fun! Cut a variety of colored vegetables into "fries." Like: peppers, broccoli stems, carrots, beets, potatoes, squash, or other root vegetables.

Sub Sandwiches: Deli meat is one of the most toxic foods and organic preservative free deli meat (a great replacement) is rather costly. Instead slice up cooked turkey or chicken breast, put it on a natural bread with Vegenaise (mayo substitute), mustard, spinach, and sliced cucumbers. Also add avocado or hummus for a twist.

Hamburgers: Make mini burgers from grass feed ground beef, free range ground turkey, canned wild salmon, or beans and veggies. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out little buns from whole wheat bread or Food for Life makes a great hamburger bun.

What are your kids favorite "kid foods" aka unhealthy junk food? I would love to help you make them over!!