I have a confession. I LOVE food holidays. Every day of the year is a different, silly food holiday and it’s a great way to get your kids excited about even the most random and forgotten of dishes. If you need to know more, check out this comprehensive list of all of the crazy food holidays out there: https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2016/01/national-food-holidays/.
Since May is National Barbecue Month, National Burger Month, and National Salad Month, I thought this would be a great time to share some better for you, yet still super fun barbecue items.
First let’s start with delivery method. When it comes to barbecue and kids, anything is more fun to eat on a stick. It’s also a great way to highlight some of the season’s better for you options. Here are some of my favorite kid-friendly kabobs:
-Fruit Kabobs: Grilling fruit enhances the sweetness even more! For a complimentary and calcium-filled dip, mix 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of honey. https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/93082/fruit-kabobs
-Lean Protein: Challenge kids to help by picking out a rainbow of veggies to add to the kabobs. https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/28996/grilled-chicken-kabobs
-Grilled Dessert!: A fun way to make fruit extra special. Bonus recipe ingredient for adults only included here: https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/33298/strawberry-shortcake-kabobs
Next, let’s talk about the ever pressing question of what to have on the side. The answer: not just your only boring corn on the cob!
-Extra Special Mac and Cheese: Yes, we’ve talked about macaroni and cheese before, but it’s a kid staple! This recipe sneaks in yellow squash, a warm weather veggie that will enhance your dish’s nutrition (vitamin C, folate, and beta carotene!) without kids ever noticing: http://www.superhealthykids.com/hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese/
-Texas Caviar: Remember that corn on the cob? Well feel free to grill it, but then add it to this bean dish that boasts 6 veggies in every bite!: http://www.superhealthykids.com/texas-caviar-6-veggies-every-bite/
Finally, on to the main dish. We can’t knock the excellence of the first grilled burger of the season, but it’s always a good thing to limit red meat to promote heart health in kids of all ages. Here are some lean burger ideas so you can celebrate National Burger Month in style and in health!:
-Chicken Burger: Do you have an adventurous eater? Have your child explore cultural food with an Asian spin on the classic burger: https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/67923/asian-chicken-burger
-Hidden Treasure Turkey Burger: Surprise your family with these burgers that hide the cheese on the inside: https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/84107/inside-out-turkey-cheeseburgers
-Salmon Burgers: Using a familiar food like a burger is a great way to introduce fish to your little ones. This juicy burger is sure to please fish skeptics and lovers alike: https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/99941/salmon-burgers
Until next time… eat well!
Emily
Emily Craft, RDN, CSP, LDN is an in-store nutritionist for Giant Food. Emily has her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and completed her Dietetic Internship through Sodexo in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Emily’s background is in pediatrics and weight management and she loves helping families come together to enjoy healthy, delicious meals. For more information, go to https://giantfood.com/live-well/health-and-wellness/nutritionists/.
