Healthy Menu Options for Kids

Every parent knows that kids can be picky, especially when it comes to healthy meals. This leads many parents to turn to precooked kid's meals. It doesn't have to be this way though. If you're tired of letting someone else do the cooking, why not make healthy meals that are fun? Not only will your kids have fun with their food, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that they consumed a healthy meal. The following are a few easy ideas to help get you started.

Kids love pizza. Unfortunately, pizza can be loaded with fat and calories. Thankfully there's a way to make this kid-friendly dish more nutritious. Not to mention that kids can help prepare this meal, which makes the meal fun for little ones. All you'll need is whole wheat loaves of pita bread, pizza sauce, part-skim mozzarella cheese, turkey pepperoni, and vegetables. Let your kids assemble the pizzas with their favorite healthy ingredients. This easy meal may sound sinful but it provides your kids with fiber, calcium, Vitamins A & C, protein, and iron.

Mexican food has quickly become a favorite with kids. While you may feel the need to limit their intake of Mexican food from fast food restaurants, homemade Mexican food can be extremely healthy and fun. A healthy burrito can be quickly prepared using a whole wheat tortilla fat-free refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and taco sauce. To make this healthy meal fun, cut extra whole wheat tortillas into fun shapes using a cookie cutter. Bake the tortilla shapes until golden brown and serve with salsa. This healthy meal provides kids with fiber, protein, iron, calcium, and essential vitamins.

There will be nights when your time is limited. That doesn't mean you can't prepare a healthy meal for your kids. If you want to make something special for your kids, wrap a fat-free hot dog in a piece of refrigerated breadstick dough. Bake until golden brown and decorate with condiments to create the look of a caterpillar. Prepare a simple salad as a "natural environment" for the caterpillar dog. This healthy meal is low in fat and calories, adds protein and iron, and encourages your kids to eat their vegetables.