You more than likely go out of your way to make sure your kids are healthy and happy. You may give your baby tummy drops when she is not feeling the best, and you may help your children understand what healthy and not-so-healthy food choices are.
One way to get your children involved in healthy eating is to have them help you in the kitchen. Summer is a great time for this, as you may have more time together, and it is easy to find fresh and yummy ingredients at the store and at local farmer’s markets. To help you figure out what some good recipes to make, we have some suggestions.
Best Kid-Friendly Summer Ingredients
Even when you use a Wellements probiotic, it is always good to have your child eat as much real food as possible. Summer is a great time to introduce your kid to healthy and tasty ingredients, as there are many fresh fruits and vegetables, and because they are in season, they taste especially good.
Various veggies and fruit are at their peak at different times throughout the summer. Some are best in June, while others reach their peak in August and September. This allows you to vary your recipes to match what you find in season. Just some of the ingredients that are kid friendly include:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Melons
- Cherries
- Avocados
- Summer squash
- Peaches
- Corn on the cob
Getting Your Child Involved in the Kitchen
If you know anything about the open gut theory, you understand how important nutrition is to a growing child. There are numerous ways you can get your child involved in the kitchen and beyond, which makes them more excited about eating healthy things. If you have a garden or access to one, this is a great place to start, as you can show where food comes from and even pick them fresh. If not, visit a farmer’s market or take them grocery shopping to help pick out food.
At home, a younger child can help wash off the produce and place them into different piles. If your child is not ready to use a knife, cut up fruits and veggies, and then your kid can help you incorporate them into recipes, such as a fruit or veggie pizza.
Older kids can help chop and slice things. Kids can help assemble or dip things, such as bananas into melted chocolate. You can even assist older kids with making a whole meal by themself.
Easy Summer Recipes
There are various things you can make with your child, and if you have a younger one, it helps if the recipes are easy. The following are some that you can make with easy-to-find summer ingredients.
1. Mini cucumber sandwiches
2. Fruit pizza
3. Pasta salad with veggies
4. Crunchy and cool chicken salad
5. Ants on a log
6. Frozen chocolate-covered bananas
7. Cantaloupe and watermelon kabobs
8. Yogurt parfaits
9. Frozen fruit bars
10. Veggies and hummus or cottage cheese dip
Teaching your kids about eating healthy is easier when they help make simple recipes that also taste good. Get them involved today.