We know it is a problem. Especially when it's a war with junk food. There are plenty of ways to dissuade children from making those choices but it is also important to educate yourself before diminishing their favorite picks. Some things may actually be good for them. Many parents are apprehensive of foods rich in carbohydrates, which are actually essential at a young age too. Many of those rich in carbs are also filled with fiber, which is great for the digestive system and helps maintain a balanced diet. We have picked out a few snacks you can keep on standby that kids can enjoy and in fact look forward to. There are ways you can feed them exactly what you want but the way they want it. If they don't want to eat mangoes as a fruit, then make them a milkshake and cross two things off your list. This way you give them calcium, protein and the fruits you wanted to feed them, without any resistance. You can easily incorporate vegetables and wholesome grains to their favorite meals without them even noticing. So gear up for some fuss and complaint free suggestions and take notes. 1. Use flax seeds in their pancakes and waffles batter. Flax seeks are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for optimal brain development. 2. Start using oatmeal for breakfast, lunch or snacks. Incorporate them into cereal; in fact you can make these into cereal bars for snacks and crackers to munch on instead of crisps. You can use it in soups- brew it with chicken and vegetables for the extra goodness. 3. If they don't like fruits slip into something they do actually like and reap the nutritional benefits. Blend berries, oranges, apples, and bananas into smoothies and offer them milkshake treats as a healthy drink instead of sugar filled sodas or packaged juices. 4. Reward them. Yes, your kids might not love fruits and all the healthy foods like you do. So encourage them to make better choices and reward them with their preferred choice of treats every weekend. Make it ‘worth it'. 5. Tofu isn't a popular choice among teens, let alone kids. But again it is how we incorporate it. Mix it up with milkshakes or home-made desserts or even ice cream. Tofu incorporates all nutrients that kids need for growth and healthy bones, as it is a great source of protein, B vitamins, calcium, and iron. 6. Pack their school lunch; don't just eat from the school cafeteria. Invest some time in making them home food and chop up carrots with a healthy dip as a snack. 7. Help them navigate through the kitchen so they can help you too. Teach them an easy-to-make healthy sandwich for school. It is important to involve your kids and let them be a part of a healthy beginning. This helps them make better choices for the future. 8. Try and find ways to make their junk food preference a healthy choice. Instead of deep-frying chicken strips try to bake or grill them, if that doesn't work, use an air fryer. The same applies to all starch items and junk food kids crave for.
