Nutrition

It’s well known that kids don’t like anything “green.” What this means is that kids often turn their noses up at foods they determine to be healthy and nothing more. Children often assume that healthy foods taste bad, so they frequently won’t even try it.

One effective way to combat that attitude is to start your kids on healthy foods from an early age. Model the desired behavior for them by eating the healthy foods yourself and make a show of enjoying them. If kids learn early on to enjoy healthy foods, you won’t have a problem getting them to eat their vegetables later. The truth is healthy foods can taste good. It is important to erase the stigma associated with them in the minds of children. As a work-at-home mom, you spend most of your day with your kids and are around them at meal times, so it is important that you model healthy eating habits.

Another method to get kids to eat healthy involves a little bit of smoke and mirrors. It may be on the sly, but it will do the trick. Simply cook healthy ingredients into the types of foods kids already want to eat. They won’t know they’re eating something healthy, but you can rest assured knowing that your kids are getting the proper nutrients.

Here are 3 healthy ingredients to use and ideas for foods to cook them into:

1. Flaxseed

Why it’s important

A nutty plant food that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to optimal brain development

How to prepare it

Both whole and ground varieties are available, but research suggests that they body absorbs ground better, which is great because it is much easier to use ground flaxseed as a substitute for flour when making waffles or pancakes.

2. Tofu

Why it’s important

Rich in protein, B vitamins, calcium, and iron

How to prepare it

Kids often won’t eat tofu if they can see that it is tofu so use it as a base in a dessert or smoothie. This is one time where its smooth texture will be appreciated.

3. Avocado

Why it’s important

Full of the “good” fats, monounsaturated

How to prepare it

Use it as a spread in sandwiches in place of mayonnaise. Kids won’t know the difference.

Eating healthy for kids is as much about presentation as it is about what’s actually in the foods they’re eating. Jazz up your recipes. Make them fun and exciting. Give them cool names the kids can buy into. Your a work-at-home mom, you know how to be creative.

Image by Molly on Flickr Creative Commons.