Super Foods Your Kids Should Be Eating Now

Growing up, I always loved my mom's cooking. I grew up for along time eating vegetarian and had pretty much all home-cooked meals. Not only did that teach me the love of awesome food and how to cook it, it set me up for a healthier adulthood.

I want that for my kids. I want them to appreciate real food — healthy food and I want that food to aid them as they grow. The majority of our meals are cooked from home. We eat out maybe once a month and because of our dietary restrictions (gluten and casein free) we are limited so our choices are not as bad as they could be. I try to cook well balanced meals that are quick and easy and that my kids will eat.

I want more bang for my buck (as they say) so I try to choose ingredients that will give me that. I rely a lot on the super-foods — defined as whole foods that have not been refined, processed, or preserved and are very close to their original source. These foods are nutrient dense, providing a child's body with essential fats, vitamins, minerals, lean proteins, and iron.

— devanmcguinness, Babble

 

Blueberries

Easy to eat on the go and can be paired with any lunch or snack, blueberries are a hit with the kids. Packed with loads of antioxidants, these little berries ward off cancer and other diseases.

Try: Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicles
Photo Credit: photostock

 

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile root that can be paired with a lot of meals. Loaded with beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron, they pack a huge punch.

Try: Sassy Sweet Potato Fries
Photo Credit: photostock
 

Natural Nut Butter

Most kids (without allergies) love peanut butter and it's a staple in so many houses. Most store brands have hydrogenated oils so it's a better option to look for natural nut butters. Look for a variety (almond, cashew, soy) with one or two ingredients — nuts and maybe salt.

Try: Breakfast Toast with Nut Butter & Banana
Photo Credit: photostock

 

Avocados

Kids love foods that look fun and what's more fun then green? Avocados are a great source of the "good fats" called monounsaturated fat, which are mostly found in fish and nuts. The good fat aids in development of proper growth. Perfect for kids.

Try: Guacamole
Photo Credit: photostock

 

Broccoli

Thankfully, getting my kids to eat broccoli has never been a problem. It's one of their favorites and they love it raw. Which, is actually better since it retains more of their nutrients then. Packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals, this green goodness wards off cell damage and helps your kids eyesight and more.

Try: Broccoli and Cheese Pizza
Photo Credit: photostock

Click here for more Super Foods Your Kids Should be Eating.

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