Hello MacKid families!
I hope that you are having a happy and healthy 2018 so far. By now maybe some of your resolutions seem tedious, too complicated, or are long forgotten. Whatever situation you’re in when it comes to the health of your little ones it’s never too late to make resolutions. If you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve drummed up a few resolutions that you can make now- and have fun keeping!
- Eat more color. Want to fight disease, feel great, and do it in style? Look for foods that contain phytonutrients to add to your family’s plate. Eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies is a great way to ensure that your clan is getting enough of these powerful nutrients, plus it’s a fun way to get kids involved. Look for recipes that contain a bunch of different colors, like this Cabbage Carrot Mash with Turkey Meatballs or this Kid Friendly Colorful Salad.
- DIY Snacks. What’s the best way to know what’s in your food? Make it yourself! Making foods that are typically store-bought, such as granola bars or popsicles help you control ingredients so that you get more of what you want (fiber and protein!) and less of what you don’t (sugar!). Check out our homemade granola bars with options for different nuts and dried fruits to encourage creativity! Craving a something cool? Make a high protein popsicle with Greek yogurt and your favorite fruit!
- Go veg! While it’s not necessary to remove meat from your family’s diet, following a plant-based menu can help promote healthy hearts and digestive systems, so meatless meals are a good idea every once in a while. This time of year, bean-based soups make warm, hearty meals without the meat. Look for whole grains with plenty of protein, such as bulgar or quinoa to add protein’s staying power to a veggie meal.
- Fear no fat- at least no unsaturated fat! Omega-3 fatty acids are an important source of nourishment for growing kids. They assist with brain development and may help ward off depression, type 2 diabetes, and asthma symptoms. Most kids don’t get enough of this essential fatty acid, so it’s a priority to figure out how to boost omega-3 intake. One way is through fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, or trout. If your fam isn’t into fish, that’s okay- chia and flaxseed and be added to foods without much of a flavor difference, or they can be highlighted in a smoothie bowl or pancake.
- Have fun with food! While health is an important focus when it comes to food, enjoyment is a huge factor in what people eat. Allowing your kids to plan a meal from start to finish is one way to get them involved. Help them think through a main course, like this simple tortilla soup and finish with a fun dessert that has some health benefits, such as dark chocolate dipped fruit.
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/.
