Back-to-school season is officially in full swing. This often means a transition from impromptu BBQs and dinners by the beach to planned meals (scheduled somewhere between homework and ballet class). It can be hard to move from the relaxed days of summer to a micro-managed fall routine. And it can be even harder to get your kids back into healthy eating habits.
If your family has been enjoying a season of burgers, ice cream and vacation food, getting them to clean up their diet is going to be as challenging as those 5th–grade math problems. I cook for a lot of busy parents, and they often ask me to get more nutrient-dense meals onto their kids’ plates—without them knowing it!
The key is to consider their sensitive palates, because many foods and spices are probably still pretty new to them. Ask them what they like eating to get them involved in the conversation. Then, find ways to give their favorite foods a healthy makeover (because your 5-year old is probably not going to ask for a kale salad). This way, they bring their appetites to the table and still get the benefits of lean protein, fresh vegetables and complex carbohydrates.
3 Kid-Approved Menu Ideas:
- Glazed Chicken with Apple Cider: The crowd goes wild over this one. Everyday chicken gets a seasonal spin with an infusion of fall flavors, like apples, cinnamon and cloves. Since kids usually prefer sweet to savory, it goes over like a treat.
- Mac and Cheese Remix: Who doesn’t get excited on mac and cheese night? Instead of loading it with processed cheddar, I use fresh and local cheeses to make a cleaner version of the classic. I also incorporate bite-sized pieces of broccoli and mushrooms that no one even notices.
- Paleo Chicken Fingers: A family go-to without all the frying oil. I coat chicken cutlets in chickpea flour, then lightly pan fry or bake them in the oven. I serve these golden tenders with honey-mustard dipping sauce and a side of sweet potato fries.
Struggling to get your kids to eat healthy? Let me help! I prepare personalized menus that appeal to adults, children and all the picky eaters in your family. Check out my Personal Chef Services (and Sample Menus) or contact me for more information.
