14 Healthier Alternatives to Your Kids’ Favorite Foods

Getting kids to eat healthy can be quite challenging, especially if they’re picky eaters. Their favorite foods are often greasy and salty, making it hard to ensure they get a balanced diet. But what if there’s a way to reinvent those beloved meals into nutritious and delicious alternatives? Here are some creative and wholesome twists on classic kid-approved recipes, ensuring that mealtime is both fun and nourishing.

Chicken Nuggets

Kids love chicken nuggets, but the store-bought versions are often deep-fried and loaded with unhealthy fats. Swap these for homemade versions by using chicken breast pieces coated in whole-grain breadcrumbs and baking them instead of frying. To do this, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, dip in beaten egg, then coat with whole-grain breadcrumbs mixed with your favorite spices. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic favorite, but it can be high in calories and low in nutrients. Upgrade this dish by using whole-wheat pasta and a sauce made from pureed butternut squash and low-fat cheese. All you have to do is cook whole-wheat pasta according to package instructions. In a blender, puree cooked butternut squash with a little milk until smooth. Combine the puree with low-fat cheese in a saucepan, stir until melted, and mix with the pasta.

Pizza

Pizza is a go-to for many kids, but traditional versions can be greasy and calorie-dense. Make pizza healthier by using a whole-wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and plenty of veggie toppings. Use a store-bought whole-wheat pizza crust or make your own. Spread with tomato sauce, sprinkle with low-fat cheese, and top with your kids’ favorite vegetables. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

French Fries

Kids can never get enough of french fries, but they are often deep-fried and unhealthy. Trade deep-fried french fries for baked sweet potato fries. Just slice sweet potatoes into thin wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.

Burgers

Burgers are a beloved meal, but they can be high in saturated fats. Opt for turkey or veggie burgers instead of beef. To make these, mix ground turkey with finely chopped onions, garlic, and your favorite spices. Form into patties and cook on a grill or in a skillet until cooked through. Serve on whole-grain buns with avocado, lettuce, and tomato. You and your kids will surely love this.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is a favorite treat, but it’s often full of sugar and unhealthy fats. Try homemade banana ice cream by blending frozen bananas until creamy. You just have to peel and freeze ripe bananas. Blend the frozen bananas in a food processor until smooth. Add cocoa powder or berries for different flavors.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but traditional recipes can be high in refined carbs. Make pancakes with whole-wheat flour and add mashed bananas or applesauce to the batter. All you need to do is mix whole-wheat flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas or applesauce, milk, and an egg. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and cook on a griddle until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs are a favorite dinner for many families. Use whole-grain spaghetti and make meatballs from lean ground turkey or chicken mixed with finely grated vegetables for a healthier version. Jusy cook whole-grain spaghetti according to package instructions. For the meatballs, mix ground turkey with grated carrots, zucchini, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Form into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce over the spaghetti.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a quick and easy meal, but they can be high in sodium and fat. Choose turkey or chicken hot dogs and serve them on whole-grain buns. First, cook turkey or chicken hot dogs according to package instructions. Then, serve in whole-grain buns with veggie toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce.

Grilled Cheese

Regular grilled cheese can be loaded with unhealthy fats. Make grilled cheese healthier by using whole-grain bread and low-fat cheese. Place slices of low-fat cheese and tomato or spinach between two pieces of whole-grain bread. Grill in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil or cooking spray until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Chips

Potato chips are a popular snack, but they are often high in unhealthy fats and sodium. Replace potato chips with baked kale chips. Wash and dry kale leaves, remove stems, and tear into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Popsicles

Popsicles are a refreshing treat, but store-bought versions often contain added sugars and preservatives. Create homemade popsicles using pureed fruit and a little bit of honey. Puree your favorite fruits with a little bit of honey and pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until solid.

Tacos

Tacos are a versatile meal that kids love, but they can be unhealthy due to to processed meat. Use whole-wheat tortillas and lean ground turkey or chicken for tacos. Cook ground turkey or chicken with taco seasoning. Serve in whole-wheat tortillas with fresh veggies, salsa, and avocado slices.

Cookies

Cookies are a favorite treat, but they can be high in sugar and refined flour. Bake cookies using whole-grain flour and substitute some of the sugar with mashed fruits like bananas or applesauce. First, you have to mix whole-grain flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream together mashed bananas or applesauce with a little bit of honey and an egg. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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