5 tips to get your kids interested in healthy food

We all know that good nutrition starts at a young age. But while many of us have been adjusting to new routines at home with the family – whether that’s juggling home-schooling or 24 hour daycare – finding the time to teach your kids healthy eating habits can take a back seat. 

We’ve pulled together some ideas to help you find ways to encourage good eating habits and provide the healthiest vegetables and fruits for your family. These creative tips will also help give you and your kids some fun together time at home.

Cook with colour

Use a variety of colours when you’re preparing meals with fruits or vegetables. This is also a great way of making sure there is a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients on your plate. Cut vegetables into interesting shapes or make a rainbow with fruit skewers. Kids will enjoy eating through the different colours and learn the importance of variety. These Crispy Chicken Tacos with Charred Corn Slaw are bursting with kid-friendly colours.

Sneak in vegetables

If you’re dealing with picky eaters, try slipping vegetables into dishes where you can. It’s normal for children to be fussy with some ingredients, so this is a great alternative to making veggie meals for kids. Mix in carrots and broccoli with pasta sauces, or roll spinach and beans into patties and meatballs. It’s not about hiding these vegetables, but it’s a transition that allows kids to appreciate healthier foods, while fitting in some nutritious goodness at the same time!

Cook together in the kitchen

Get your kids involved with cooking meals at home. Divide up tasks and make it a fun activity. This is a great way for kids to learn about what types of ingredients go into their meals, while also spending time together as a family. Let them experiment with preparing different nutritious vegetables, while discovering new textures of ingredients, before and after cooking. You’ll gain some little helpers in the kitchen and enjoy the achievement of creating your dinner together.

Healthy snacks

It’s always great for kids to have easy access to healthy snacks. We’re all guilty of snacking more than usual while at home, so this is a great tip for everyone in the household. Keep snacks like fruit, veggie sticks, home-made dips or granolas bars ready to grab in the kitchen!

Monkey see, monkey do

Kids tend to adapt to the habits of their role models, so it’s a good tip to make healthy and nutritious food a normal treat in your household. Starting now is good preparation for the healthy growth and development during childhood, which leads to a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.

We hope these tips encourage good eating habits in your household! 

Stay happy & well, 

The HelloFresh Team