Being a parent is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to mealtime. Busy parents often find it challenging to prepare nutritious and appealing meals for their little ones amidst their hectic schedules. However, with a little planning and creativity, providing healthy and delicious meals for kids can become an enjoyable task. In this blog, we'll share 10 fantastic kids' meal ideas that are both easy to prepare and full of essential nutrients. These meals will not only save time but also ensure your child's well-being and happiness.
- MINI VEGGIE PIZZAS:
- MINI VEGGIE PIZZAS:
Kids love pizzas, and you can make a healthier version at home. Use whole-grain pita bread or English muffins as the base and top them with tomato sauce, a variety of colourful veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake them in the oven until the cheese melts, and you have a delightful and nutritious meal ready in no time. Check out this DIY Pitta Bread Pizza for Kids from My Fussy Eater for inspo!
2. PROTEIN-PACKED PASTA SALAD:
2. PROTEIN-PACKED PASTA SALAD:
Pasta salads are versatile and can be prepared ahead of time. Use whole-grain pasta and add in cooked and chopped chicken, beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing. This protein-packed pasta salad is not only delicious but also a great way to get essential nutrients into your child's diet.
Quesadillas are quick to make and can be filled with nutritious ingredients. Load them up with sautéed bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavour. This Easy Veggie and Bean Quesadilla from the Happy Kids Kitchen combines everyday ingredients to create a delicious meal your kids will love!
4. SUPER SMOOTHIES:
4. SUPER SMOOTHIES:
Smoothies are a fantastic way to sneak in fruits and veggies. Blend together a mix of bananas, berries, spinach, Greek yogurt, and a splash of milk or fruit juice. Your child won't even notice the greens, and it makes for a refreshing and nutrient-rich beverage. Our handy Eatto smoothie pouches make life even easier as we’ve done all the chopping for you!
5. DIY TACOS:
5. DIY TACOS:
Kids love to build their own tacos, and it's an excellent opportunity to offer a variety of nutritious toppings. Provide whole-grain taco shells or tortillas and fill bowls with seasoned lean ground turkey or beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and avocado slices.
6. CRUNCHY VEGGIE WRAPS:
6. CRUNCHY VEGGIE WRAPS:
Wraps are easy to assemble and perfect for on-the-go meals. Spread hummus or cream cheese on whole-grain tortillas and add crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Roll them up and slice into bite-sized pieces for a delightful finger food.
7. OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN FINGERS:
Skip the fast-food version and make your own healthier chicken fingers at home. Coat strips of chicken breast in breadcrumbs and bake them in the oven until crispy. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. Check out this Homemade Chicken Tenders recipe from A Mindful Mom which takes only 22 minutes to prepare!
8. RAINBOW FRUIT SKEWERS:
8. RAINBOW FRUIT SKEWERS:
Make snack time colorful and exciting with fruit skewers. Thread a mix of fruits like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and blueberries onto wooden sticks. Kids will love the vibrant presentation and enjoy this nutritious treat.
9. BREAKFAST-FOR-DINNER:
9. BREAKFAST-FOR-DINNER:
When time is limited, breakfast foods can come to the rescue. Prepare whole-grain pancakes or topped with fresh fruits and a drizzle of honey. Alternatively, whip up a batch of scrambled eggs with spinach and cheese for a protein-packed dinner option.
10. KIDS MEALS DELIVERED:
If you’d prefer to leave the cooking to us check out our Eatto for Kids range. All the meals in our Eatto for Kids range contain a minimum of 33% hidden vegetables so you can outsmart the kids and sneak in a few extra vegetables at dinner time. For those busy days, when managing to find time to cook seems impossible, Eatto for Kids meals are well-balanced, low in salt and perfect for popping straight into the microwave/oven. With a choice of the following 8 meals and more to come, you’re sure to find many your children will love!
Choose from: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Penne Bolognese, Beef Lasagne, Cottage pie, Chilli Con Carne, Butter Chicken and Rice, Roast Chicken Mash and Gravy, and Puy Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti.
Being a busy parent doesn't mean compromising on your child's nutrition. With these 10 creative and nutritious meal ideas, you can make mealtime enjoyable for your kids while saving time and effort in the kitchen.
