Super Green Food for Kids
̶0;Green̶1; means different things when it comes to food. Most obviously, it can refer to a food̵7;s natural color, but ̶0;green̶1; can also refer specifically to healthy, plant-based foods. ̶0;Green̶1; foods, in some contexts, are ones that have been grown and harvested in eco-friendly ways, or those that have deliberately been given their color for festive or creative purposes.
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All Natural Foods
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Spinach, kale, broccoli, collard greens and green beans all have a deep, vibrant green color, but getting kids to eat these healthy vegetables can be quite the challenge. The trick to serving fresh green vegetables to kids is to make them exciting or appealing in some way. Kids enjoy finger foods, so try serving green bell pepper strips, sugar snap peas or celery slices as a refreshing, green snack. Make veggie snacks super green -- and super healthy -- with a side of fresh guacamole for dipping. Cut kiwi slices or honeydew melon into heart shapes, or make smiley faces in fruit slices with a small paring knife. Sneak spinach into a child̵7;s diet with all-natural spinach pasta -- which has a distinct green color -- for dinner. Another idea is to get kids involved in the kitchen and allow them to help prepare fresh green salads or vegetable sides. According to the health professionals at Kids̵7; Health, children are more likely to try a dish that they̵7;ve helped to create.
Eco-friendly Choices
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As efforts to protect the earth increase, so may parents̵7; desire to serve foods to their families that have been grown and harvested in eco-friendly ways. Natural foods such as fruits and vegetables are less likely to contain potentially harmful chemical and artificial preservatives or additives. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are even better, because fossil fuels aren't required to transport them from other countries. Consider growing an organic vegetable garden in the backyard or planting a few seeds in window boxes for eco-friendly health foods that kids can help grow and harvest.
Fun Foods
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Lime-flavored gelatin is fat-free and low in calories, which makes parents feel good about serving this beloved childhood treat to kids as an occasional snack on a warm day or as a birthday party dessert. Kids, in turn, enjoy its wiggly consistency and bright, translucent green color. Make a lime gelatin treat extra special by shaping it with a mold, or for a super green delicacy, add fresh kiwi or a few green gumdrops to it. Serve low-fat pistachio pudding or ice cream for a smooth and creamy alternative. For a healthy snack, offer kids low-fat key lime yogurt. Or turn yogurt into an enticing parfait dessert with a small dollop of whipped cream and chopped mint leaf garnish.
Ways to Make Foods "Super" Green
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A few drops of neon green food coloring can go a long way, especially with picky eaters who may be reluctant to try bland, dull looking foods. Give mashed potatoes a kid-friendly makeover with two to three drops of food coloring, or add green color to pancake batter for a fun Saturday morning breakfast. You can add food coloring to just about anything, but you will get the best results with food that is not brightly colored already.
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When we think of a child with a weight problem, we automatically assume she is overweight. Sometimes, however, the opposite is true. If a child is not gaining enough weight it can be detrimental to her health. In babies and young children, this is ca
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Children aged 3-10 need carbohydrates for several crucial reasons:1. Energy: Carbohydrates are the bodys primary source of energy. They break down into glucose, which fuels brain function, muscle activity, and all other bodily processes. Growing chil
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Getting kids to try ethnic foods they are not familiar with can be a challenge, but its a worthwhile endeavor as it is an opportunity to expand their palettes as well as their knowledge about other cultures around the world. The website Dr.Greene.com
