Healthy Recipes for Kids

This article details some healthy smoothie recipes for kids that they'll actually enjoy and will want again and again. Let's face it, kids today are more interested in eating junk food than they are eating healthy foods. The rate of childhood obesity is growing year on year at an alarming rate and if this issue is not tackled soon it is only going to get worse.

Showing kids how to eat healthy, highly nutritious foods doesn't have to be boring or a chore as I'll show you with these healthy smoothie recipes for kids. Now although these healthy smoothie recipes are for kids you can also enjoy them too. All of these recipes are nutritionally balanced and your kids will absolutely love them.


The first recipe is for a green smoothie that is loaded with vitamins and nutrients and includes vegetables and ingredients you might usually struggle to convince your kids to eat. In this healthy smoothie recipe for kids, the flavours that shines through is the coconut (depending on how much you use) and the cashew nut butter. You could substitute the cashew butter for regular peanut butter or almond butter. Remember to stick with a no added sugar variety.

Green Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 celery sticks

• ½ cucumber

• 1 tsp cashew nut butter

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• Handful of spinach & watercress

• Half an avocado

• Splash of coconut milk, depending on how thick you like it

• Ice cubes

Method

1. Place all ingredients into blender and blend

2. Drink immediately

The second healthy smoothie recipe for kids is a delicious and very beneficial banana and cinnamon smoothie. It is very simple to make and the flavours combine together wonderfully giving it a nice creamy yet healthy texture and taste.

Banana and Cinnamon Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 4 ice cubes

• 1 large banana

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 250ml coconut milk

Method

1. Place ice cubes, banana and coconut milk into a processor.

2. Blend on high until smooth.

3. Pour into a large glass and enjoy.

The great thing about healthy smoothie recipes for kids is the flexibility they offer you. If there are ingredients in the recipes above that you either don't have or your kids cannot have (for example if they have nut allergies) then you can easily substitute out one ingredient for another. Use your imagination when making healthy smoothie recipes for kids and even include your kids in the process. As long as you stick to using natural, whole food ingredients you'll be teaching and showing your kids that healthy eating can be fun and delicious.

Thanks for reading.

These are some of the meals I eat and recommend my clients to eat while on the wonderful lifestyle of Intermittent Fasting.

How would you like: better control over your hunger, an easy way to lose fat and build lean attractive muscle, increased insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, increased growth hormone, a super efficient way of eliminating toxins, the freedom of being able to eat whatever you want without any guilt?

By John Mulry

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7531540

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If selling real estate is all about location, location, location, then when making healthy recipes for kids, it's all about presentation, presentation, presentation. You can talk all you want about all the essential vitamins and minerals and complex carbohydrates, etc, etc that a food contains, but when a child is looking at a mixed bowl of fruit, all they see is 'yuck'.

The key to getting children to try healthy foods is to present it in a fun and imaginative way. You are the only one who needs to know that what they're eating is healthy and nutritious. For the kids, it is simply a fun, interesting and imaginative way to eat food. For example, is a child more likely to eat a bowl filled with banana, red grapes, kiwi, star fruit, cantaloupe and strawberry, or a "Happy Snack Face" (bunch of red grapes for hair, kiwi slices for eyes, strawberry for nose, cantaloupe slices for ears, banana for mouth and star fruit for cheeks - all served on a brightly colored round plate).


All you need to do is take the healthy foods you want to introduce and present them so that:

It has a cool name kids can relate to, like Happy Snack Face. So before your child even sees what it is, they are curious to find out.
It is colorful - red grapes & strawberry, green kiwi, yellow star fruit & banana, orange cantaloupe.
It is arranged in a shape or pattern that kids can identify with - Happy Face.
It has kid friendly textures (in this case juicy fruits, but just as easily made from crisp or crunchy vegetables).
By arranging the foods into patterns that kids can recognize, you also have the opportunity to get them involved in the preparation. After you child devours the Happy Snack Face, you might suggest that for snack tomorrow, he prepare a Scary Snack Face. You cut up the fruits and he can arrange them on the plate. The more involved a child is in the selection and preparation of their meals, the more likely they will eat it, enjoy it, and want to have it again. Not only does this start to get them interested in what they are eating, but it also lays the foundation for healthy eating habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

In order for a healthy recipe to be a hit with kids, it needs to be appealing, so give them what they want. Use recipes that combine imaginative names, bright colors, and kid friendly shapes for a sure fire hit. So like I said before, it's all about presentation.

By Mark Rocco

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2527782

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Coming up with healthy smoothie recipes for kids can sometimes be difficult. You want your smoothie recipe to be one that your kids will enjoy but you also want to make sure that it will be beneficial to them nutritionally. After all there is no point in having healthy smoothie recipes for kids if they're not actually healthy right? This article details two quick, easy to make and delicious healthy smoothie recipes that your kids will not only enjoy but they will want to have them on a consistent basis which will make your job of giving them healthy options to eat much easier.

The first recipe is oh so simple but it packs a powerful nutritional punch. It's a pineapple and coconut smoothie that is simply delicious. The recipe uses cashew nut butter but if you're like me and allergic to cashew nuts you can substitute out the cashew nut butter for an almond, hazelnut or regular peanut butter. Make sure you stick with a no added sugar nut butter as they are much healthier than the sugar filled nut butters available. Your nearest supermarket or grocery store should stock a no added sugar variety but if they don't you will be able to get them in your nearest health food store.


Pineapple and Coconut Smoothie

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1/2 fresh pineapple, chopped

• 2 bananas

• 400ml of coconut milk

• 1 tsp organic cashew nut butter

• Handful of ice cubes

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Drink immediately.

As you can see it's a simple healthy smoothie recipe for kids but one they'll love. The next recipe is a secret one. It's a secret because it's a clever way of getting your kids to eat more green vegetables without them actually knowing. This smoothie recipe contains spinach but the flavours of the berries and coconut milk mask the taste of the spinach so your kids won't realise it's in it at all.

Now I'd prefer to let them know it is in the smoothie and educate them on the importance of including lots of healthy green vegetables in our diets. On the other hand if you do have a particularly difficult time of getting your kids to eat green vegetables then this secret healthy recipe for kids is perfect.

Berry and Secret Spinach Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 handful of strawberries

• 1 handful of blackberries

• 200ml coconut milk

• 3 blocks of frozen spinach

• Handful of ice cubes

Method

1. Blitz all ingredients in a blender and serve!

2. This is a brilliant way to get more green nutrients!!

Thanks for reading.

These are some of the meals I eat and recommend my clients to eat while on the wonderful lifestyle of Intermittent Fasting.

How would you like: better control over your hunger, an easy way to lose fat and build lean attractive muscle, increased insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, increased growth hormone, a super efficient way of eliminating toxins, the freedom of being able to eat whatever you want without any guilt?

By John Mulry

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7531569

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Many find it a difficult task to get their kid to eat healthy. Most kids prefer a diet of fruit roll-ups and ice cream, however, it is crucial to get your kid eating healthy at a young age. Whole grain is very important for your kids to consume. Starting off the day with a bowl of Cheerios is a great way to get started on the recommended six ounces of of whole grain your child should consume. If he or she is a big enough eater, they can get all six ounces at breakfast! Also important is the consumption of calcium. Foods that are rich in calcium build strong bones and later on can prevent osteoporosis.

When preparing food or snacks for your kid, it is often important to prepare food that is quick and easy to make. Also important is that the snacks are low in sugar and fat, as well as high in nurtrients and fiber. This can be a challenge if your kid is used to eating candy and hot dogs all the time, so you may need to get creative.


One option is to turn chicken nuggets into a healthy snack. In order to do this you will need skinless, boneless chicken breasts, non-fat buttermilk, flour, corn flakes, salt, and pepper. Fill up one bowl with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with buttermilk, and one with crushed corn flakes. Cut the chicken breasts into squares. Dip the chicken breast squares into the flour. Shake off all excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk. Next, coat the chicken with the crushed up corn flakes. Get as much as you can to stick. Finally, put the "chicken nuggets" on a cookie sheet that is covered with foil. Back for 14-16 minutes at 375 degrees. You can make extra if you want, because these will still be good the next day. Also, the kids can be included in the preparation, if you don't mind the mess.

Instead of giving your kid ice cream for dessert, replace it with a fruit smoothie. You can make a banana smoothie in a matter of minutes. All you need is a frozen banana, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of yogurt, and 1/4 cup of blueberries. If you have bananas that are going bad, put them in the freezer and save them for this occasion. One you get all of the ingredients, combine them in a blender, and blend them until smooth. That wasn't so hard, was it?

It can be a difficult transition when getting your kid to give up the sweets. You might be surprised by the healthy snacks your child will enjoy. It is important to keep trying new things until you find a variety of healthy meals your kid enjoys. Sure, every kid deserves to have the occasional treat of pizza or ice cream, but try to make it just that, an occasion.

By Theresea Hughes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2297173

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Looking for fantastic childrens' recipes? Find a great collection at Recipe4Living!

If you have children in your life then you know it can sometimes be a challenge finding foods they like that are good for them too. After serving meatloaf and chicken fingers for the nine hundredth time, it sometimes feels like you'll never get out of the "What's for dinner?" rut. At Recipe4Living we know how hard it is to get your kids to eat a nutritious meal. That's why we've put together a collection of recipes for children that you'll like too.


Children Appetizer Recipes

Top Notch Nachos
This is a great recipe for kids or just as appetizers. Very simple to make,
but always a favorite!

Ingredients

Round tortilla chips
1 can refried beans
1 large tomato
1 can chopped olives
1 yellow onion
Shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

First, preheat the oven to 315 degrees. Next pull out one or two baking sheets. Open the can of refried beans and chop the tomatoes and onions. Put the tortilla chips on the baking sheets and place a dollop of beans on each tortilla chip. After completing, place the onions, tomatoes, and olives on too. Add cheese last if using. Put the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Children Main Dish Recipes

Easy Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers
This easy crockpot stuffed bell peppers recipe is great smelling, simple and made for even the fussiest of eaters!

Ingredients

6 green peppers washed, topped and seeded
1 Tbs. shortening (i.e. Crisco)
1 1/2 - 2 lb. ground beef
1 C. cooked rice
1 sm. onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
dash of basil
1/2 C. ketchup
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce w/ or w/o seasoning

Directions

Heat shortening in skillet and brown beef. Combine meat and next 6 ingredients. Stuff bell peppers. Arrange bell peppers in large crock pot. Can be stacked. Pour tomato sauce over peppers. Cooker on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Children Sandwich Recipes

Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich provides two grain servings from the ciabatta, a little more than two servings of meat from the chicken, and half a dairy serving from the cheese. Serve with orange wedges and baked chips.

Ingredients

1/4 C. (about 2 oz.) sun-dried tomato pesto (such as Classico)
2 Tbs. fat-free mayonnaise
3/4 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. olive oil
1 8 oz. loaf ciabatta bread
12 lg. basil leaves
3/4 C. (3 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 C. sliced bottled roasted red bell peppers
1 large tomato, thinly sliced

Directions

Combine pesto and mayonnaise in a small bowl, stirring to blend. Sprinkle chicken with pepper and salt. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken to cutting board, and cool slightly. Cut chicken lengthwise into thin slices. Preheat broiler. Cut ciabatta in half horizontally. Place bread, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Broil 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove bread from pan. Spread pesto mixture evenly over cut sides of bread. Arrange the chicken slices evenly over bottom half. Top chicken evenly with basil leaves, and sprinkle cheese over top. Place bottom half on baking sheet, and broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Arrange bell pepper and tomato over cheese, and cover with top half of bread. Cut into 4 equal pieces.

Children Dessert Recipes

Individual Cheesecakes
A very nice change. Small bite size pieces of cheesecake you can snack on anytime, no need to dirty any dishes.

Ingredients

2 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/2 C. sugar
18 vanilla wafers
1 can cherry pie filling
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 Tbs. lemon juice

Directions

Mix all ingredients (except pie filling). Beat 10 minutes with electric mixer. Line muffin tins with cupcake fillers and put a vanilla wafer in each cup (18 cups). Add cheese mixture. Bake in 350-degree oven for 17-20 minutes. Cool and top with cherry pie filling (or your favorite pie filling) and refrigerate.

By Kathryn Steed

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4668392

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It's no secret that kids nowadays are particularly tricky to prepare food for. Perhaps the culprit is too much dependency on consumerism or whatnot. But suffice to say; perhaps the biggest culprit is television. What kids usually find delicious are those that are visually appealing and those that they can relate to and of course- see on television. Fast food has become such a novelty that for example; kids only see chicken as the crispy deep-fried type which as we all know is swimming in a pool of cholesterol, and not the good type at that. The thing is kids have a set idea of what good food is. And no amount of cajoling or even threatening will get them to eat anything else.

One nifty trick you can try is to try serving healthy side dishes along your main course. It doesn't matter if you're serving meatloaf or chicken or even pasta - this ingredient goes with practically anything. The answer is in potatoes. They're yummy, rich in nutrients, and generally easy to prepare. Sure, the French fries aren't that healthy and the usual mashed potatoes are getting old - but you can always try out something new.


Why not try pesto baked potatoes for a change? Here's one recipe that will definitely work with any dish. It's also guaranteed to be kid-friendly. The secret to a good dish is in the herbs. If there's one thing the Italians have gotten right, it has got to be their diet. After all, they have been known for their longevity and good health.

All you need are a couple pieces of Russet potatoes, a small bulb of onion, a couple of garlic cloves, half a cup of vegetable broth, half a cup of cream, salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh basil, and pine nuts (optional). You can opt to serve or allocate one potato per person.

To start off, give your potatoes a good scrub and poke it several times with a fork. After that, you can give them a good brush of olive oil and give them a good rubbing of sea salt. Once you're done with that, just pop them into the oven for around 30 minutes.

While you're waiting for your potatoes to roast, mince your onion and garlic and sauté them in a small amount of olive oil. Pour in your cream and broth and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Chop up your fresh basil and incorporate it into the simmering broth. You can add a fresh squeeze of lemon just to give it a little tang. Once you're done, it would probably be time to get your potatoes out of the oven.

Cut your potatoes in half and scoop out the innards leaving a thin layer of skin behind. Incorporate the inside part of your potatoes with the simmering broth and mash it using a piece of fork. Then you can go ahead and scoop it into the potato "shells" and top it with grated Parmesan cheese. *You may include pine nut in the broth if you want a little texture.*

Then pop the potatoes back into the oven for another ten minutes or so and you're good to go. It's the perfect side dish to a healthy lunch you know your kids will always love.

By William G Dains

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5789809

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Every parent has the struggle of trying to get their children to eat healthy foods. There are many easy healthy recipes for kids that they will love. It is impossible for them to even tell the difference. The foods taste great and are simple to prepare.

Macaroni and cheese is not the healthiest thing for a kid to eat. There is a way to improve the nutritional value of it though. Vegetables can be added to a bowl of macaroni and cheese to ensure that your child is getting some important vitamins and minerals. The secret to giving it to them undetected, is how small you are able to slice the vegetables.


Spinach works very well for this. It is loaded with nutrients, and will hardly even be noticed in the mixture. Just chop up a few spinach leaves and conceal it in the macaroni and cheese. Children do not even notice that it is in there. The thinner and smaller that you are able to slice these leaves, the easier they are to hide in the food.

The local pizza house does not make a very healthy pizza. Usually they are coated with grease, loaded with meat, and made from white flour. Making the pizza yourself can add some great qualities to it. By doing it yourself, and making it from scratch, you will be able to decide what goes into it. Pizza is one of the easiest foods to conceal items with great nutritional value. Making your own also allows you to regulate the amount of cheese and toppings that are used.

Instead of using white flour for the dough, try using wheat flour. Wheat flour is much healthier than white. If the all wheat crust is unappealing to your child, substitute some of the white flour in a recipe with wheat. Another great idea is making your own sauce from scratch. This is much easier to do than you would imagine. All you need is a can of tomato sauce and one can of tomato paste. A wide variety of things can be added to the sauce to give it flavor, and a higher nutritional value.

Vegetables can easily be hidden inside the sauce. Try chopping up a bell pepper into very thin and small pieces, and then add it into the sauce. A touch of fresh garlic can be roasted and added to it also.

Garlic is very beneficial to your body. It contains a large amount of antibiotic properties that will strengthen the immune system, and aid with digestion. It is also possible to run a mixture of vegetables through a blender that can be added to the sauce.

These easy healthy recipes for kids, that are made from foods they already love, are easy to do. Simply adding a healthier element to their favorite items will ensure they are receiving proper nutrition. Children often do not like change. Sometimes changing their entire diet will make them not want to eat at all. Your child will not even detect these easy improvements.

By Trevor John

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6635926

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