Feeding active kids can be fun when you get creative and include ingredients that promote their health. From hidden vegetables to unique twists on comfort food favorites, here are four recipes to get you cooking today.
Chicken, Pineapple and Sweet Potato Kebabs
Combine sweet and savory flavors full of protein, vitamins, and fiber with these kabobs. Cut chicken breasts, pineapples, and sweet potatoes into bite-size chunks. Skewer the ingredients and coat the kebab in a marinade of your choosing, such as coconut cream with lemon and pepper seasoning. Roast the kebabs at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until the sweet potato is golden brown and soft.
Hidden Vegetable Hamburgers
Protein supports growth and muscle repair, and hamburger patties are protein-rich. Add a unique twist by also increasing your kid’s vitamin intake with this Hidden Vegetable Hamburger idea. Finely chop onions, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini and sauté them in olive oil until soft. Mix the vegetables with lean ground meat, an egg, and any seasonings or herbs you want. Shape the mixture into patties and cook in a frying pan, air fryer, or oven. Place the cooked patties between sesame Kaiser buns for bread with a golden-brown crust and soft, tender interior. Your kids will never notice the hidden ingredients.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic American meal that you can make healthier with this unique vegetable addition. Cook the macaroni to al dente, according to the package, and set aside. Boil cauliflower and purée it before mixing it with the pasta.
Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and adding salt and pepper. Cook it for a couple of minutes before whisking in flour and adding milk. Remove from heat after the mixture has barely thickened, then stir in shredded cheese until melted. Toss the pasta and cauliflower into the cheese sauce, and your meal is complete.
Quinoa Berry Pancakes
Quinoa is a plant-based source of protein that’s high in fiber and a great source of antioxidants, which will support your kid’s immune system. You can make a fun breakfast healthy by using quinoa flour with your favorite pancake recipe. You can also use a pancake mix for this idea. Just add extra water or milk as instructed on the package to the proportion of the additional quinoa flour. Fold in blueberries or raspberries and cook them on a lightly greased griddle.
Fueling your kid’s bodies, repairing their muscles, and making sure they have ample nutrients for their active lifestyle is easy with these four recipes. The unique combinations also make it fun to cook, so whip up a meal for your family today.
