Healthy Kid-Friendly Foods for the Entire Family

This collection of delicious recipes will nourish your entire family’s health and wellness. Best of all, each of these kid-friendly foods will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. If you’re a parent stressed about mealtimes, or a caregiver trying to get the entire family to eat more fruits and veggies, get started with these three easy-to-make meals.

KID-FRIENDLY BREAKFAST: Immune-Boosting Cold Buster

Breakfast is one of the most important meals for families with children, because it set the nutritional foundation for kids to be able to play and learn throughout the day. But mornings are often hectic and stressful for parents.

This smoothie is a quick, 45-second meal that provides your child with everything he or she needs for an amazing morning: Lots of fiber, plenty of protein, and a big dose of immune-boosting vitamin C and other antioxidants. Plus, it’s a great source of probiotics, which further supports their immune system as well as their cognitive abilities.

2 oranges, peeled

1 frozen banana

1/2 frozen strawberries

1/4 c frozen pineapple

1/4 c frozen mango

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

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LUNCH: Veggie Muffins

These are the perfect grab-and-go lunches for the entire family. And they’re easy to store in your freezer, so you can make a big batch on the weekend and have effortless lunches ready to go anytime you need one.

Better yet, each muffin has a full dose of veggies. Even the pickiest of eaters won’t notice that they’re getting antioxidant- and fiber-rich broccoli and carrots in every bite.

1 c grated carrot

1 c grated broccoli (top parts of the florets only, no stems)

1 c shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 c oat milk or similar non-dairy milk

1/4 cup sunflower oil or similarly neutral-tasting oil

2 free-ranged organic eggs, beaten

1 c organic cornmeal

1 c organic whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While your oven is heating up, grease a muffin tin and set aside. Then, mix all the ingredients together. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 20 minutes or until done in the middle (test with a clean knife or a toothpick). Enjoy warm, or store in your freezer.

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DINNER: Veggie Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? You’ll love that this delicious, hearty comfort food isn’t just rich and creamy, but also contains generous amounts of squash, carrots and cauliflower. Your kids will love it because it looks and tastes just like the “real” thing, and they won’t realize they’re eating all the veggies they would likely have otherwise turned a nose up to.

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked

1/2 c water

1 c cauliflower florets

1 c diced butternut squash

1 c sliced carrots

2 c milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)

2 c shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)

In a steamer or pot filled with 1/2 cup of water, cook the veggies for 10 minutes or until tender. Place the veggies in a blender (include the cooking water) and blend until creamy. Pour the veggie puree back in the pot, and bring to a simmer while whisking in the milk and cheese. Pour over the cooked macaroni, and enjoy!

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Want More Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas?

3 Quick & Easy Healthy Breakfast and Snack Ideas

Healthy Oat Muffins