Introduction

It’s no secret that most kids love unhealthy junk food. While an occasional treat is fine, it’s important to ensure that meals served at home are nutritious and healthy. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy meals that kids will enjoy eating! Below are the top 5 healthy meals parents can cook for their kids.

Top 5 Healthy Meals For Kids

1. Chicken Teriyaki with Rice and Veggies

This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken is a great source of protein, while rice and veggies provide complex carbs and essential vitamins and minerals. To make this meal, cook chicken in a teriyaki sauce and serve over a bed of rice with your child’s favorite veggies on the side.

2. Spaghetti with Lean Ground Beef and a Side Salad

Spaghetti is a classic kid-friendly meal that can be made healthier by using lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta. Add a side salad for some extra fiber and vitamins. To make this meal, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. In a separate pan, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and mix the beef with the spaghetti. Serve with a side salad on the side.

3. Quesadillas with Black Beans, Cheese, and Salsa

Quesadillas are another easy and tasty meal that can be packed with nutrition. Black beans are high in fiber and protein, while cheese provides calcium and vitamins A & D. Serve quesadillas with salsa on the side for an added dose of lycopene, which is an antioxidant found in tomatoes. To make this meal, simply place black beans, cheese, and salsa in between two tortillas and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa on the side.

4. Macaroni & Cheese with Broccoli

This childhood favorite can actually be quite healthy when made with whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese. Adding broccoli to the mix bumps the nutrition even more by adding vitamins A & C and fiber. To make this meal, cook the macaroni & cheese according to the package directions. Add broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking time. Once finished, stir everything together and serve immediately.

5. Fish Sticks with Mashed Potatoes and Peas

Another classic kid-friendly meal is fish sticks! They’re usually not very nutritious but can be made healthier by choosing quality ingredients such as wild-caught fish and organic potatoes. Another way to add nutrition is to serve them alongside mashed peas, which are high in iron. To make this meal, look for quality fish sticks at your grocery store or online. Bake them according to package directions. While they’re baking, prepare mashed potatoes according to your recipe or favorite boxed mix. Once finished, stir in some frozen peas during the last minute of cooking time. Plate everything together and enjoy!

Conclusion

There are plenty of nutritious options when it comes to cooking for kids! The next time you’re stumped on what to make for dinner, consider one of these healthy meals. Your kids will love them – promise!

Sources

"Chicken Teriyaki with Rice and Veggies." Cooking Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.

"Spaghetti with Lean Ground Beef and a Side Salad." Cooking Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.

"Quesadillas with Black Beans, Cheese, and Salsa." Cooking Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.< http://www.cookinglight.com/recipe/quesadillas-with-black-beans-cheese-and-salsa

"Macaroni & Cheese with Broccoli." Cooking Light Dietitians of the year 2015 - winners: Macaroni & cheese with broccoli recipe | Well+Good NYC - Well+Good NYC . N .p., 09 Dec 2105 .Web 07Mar2016

"Fish Sticks with Mashed Potatoes and Peas." EatingWell .N .p,n,d,.Web 07 Mar 2016