Eating right is important for children and adults alike. However, it can often be more difficult to feed picky children. The key to getting kids to make healthy choices is to provide them with simple foods that are fun to eat.
Breakfast
Everyone should start the day with nutritious food. Avoid sugary choices, such as toaster pastries and syrup. Whole-grain waffles with fruit spread are a warm treat. Eggs provide a lot of protein, and there are many fun ways to serve them. You can make "toad in a hole," which is an egg cooked inside of a circle cut out from toast, or you can make scrambled eggs and serve them with a smiley face of ketchup. Sliced apples and peanut butter rolled up in a whole-grain tortilla is another tasty, healthy choice.
Lunch
A healthy lunch is crucial for school-age children who don't get another meal until much later in the day. A traditional turkey or ham and cheese sandwich on whole-wheat bread provides whole grains, protein and calcium. If your children want something other than sandwiches, pack warm rice or pasta in a thermos. Add lightly steamed vegetables to the pasta just after cooking to increase the nutritional value. You also can give them healthy soups in a thermos for another hot lunch option. If your children enjoy raw vegetables, make them a salad with fun toppings on the side that they can add themselves. Choose chicken, cheese, croutons, dried cranberries and sliced apples.
Dinner
Making dinner can be a difficult task for many parents. Avoid making several different dinners to satisfy all tastes, but make one that can be tailored for picky eaters. Always include protein, vegetables and whole grains. Pasta is a versatile dish, so add vegetables or chicken to complete the meal. Serve the pasta with different cheeses, and let the children choose which kind they prefer as a topping. You can do this with pizza as well. Buy whole-grain dough, and prepare your own toppings. Have everyone create personal pizzas. Involving your children in the cooking process might even inspire you with new ideas.
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