HEALTHY FOODS, HEALTHY KIDS
One of my 2018 resolutions here ... a friend gave me a list of healthy foods that she wanted her kids to learn to make on their own before leaving home. There are so many basic recipes online to try - using ingredients they already love or ingredients they have never even tried. Everyone knows that kids need healthy food, it’s why we devote so much effort to putting fresh meals on the table. But during a busy week, most of us are just trying to get dinner on the table period.
In the blink of an eye, our kids will leave home, and then what? They’ll be responsible for feeding themselves. Every. Meal. I feel it’s important to teach kids - even just a little at a time - how to cook healthy food from start to finish.
When we learn basic cooking skills, we are learning how to take care of our bodies, feel confident in the kitchen, and create something special for ourselves and for others. It's one of THE most important life skills to have.
Here’s a short list of dishes that serve as the foundation for kids (young and old) to learn to master on their own:
- Omelets - delicious, rich in protein, perfect to make with leftovers - these can also be made in muffin tins if kids are hesitant about using a frying pan.
- Roasted Chicken - perhaps better suited for teenagers since they’ll be using a hot oven and a whole chicken, but there are endless ways to use roasted chicken and once they learn it, they'll always have a great protein base for new dishes.
- Stir-fried Veggies - learning how to make a simple veggie stir-fry means always having a flavorful main course or side dish. Safety lessons in learning to use a wok and a knife are the first steps in perfecting this dish.
- Brown Rice & Beans - a much healthier stand-in for macaroni and cheese, kids can learn to create their own dish using a pressure or slow cooker. Smoothies - young kids will have fun making these. Smoothies are a staple in our house. Choosing favorite fruits and juices and adding a touch of protein powder make for a great, fast and healthy meal.
- Oatmeal - choosing favorite add-ins (chocolate chips, bananas, nuts, berries) to a basic oatmeal recipe make this more exciting and learning to be safe around the stove is key.
- Homemade Soup - this is an inexpensive basic dish that can allow you to put all your food groups in one bowl, starting with the root of the soup (onions and garlic) to the protein (beef, chicken or tofu) to the noodles and veggies. It's a favorite leftovers meal as well.
- Simple Casseroles - including cooked grains, protein and veggies with a sauce is the perfect way to get all food groups into one dish, just like soups, plus adding a crunchy topping and baking until bubbly.
These are jus a few to get you and your kids started on a lifetime of cooking together - and beyond the nutritional value, it builds real confidence and self-reliance. Bon apetit!
