Healthy eating is an important practice for everyone, but proper nutrition is especially important for children as they continue to grow and develop. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can even help reduce the risk of kids developing diseases like childhood obesity.

Unfortunately, it can often be a difficult task to get kids to eat their fruits and vegetables when there are so many snack foods out there. One way to promote healthy eating for kids, though, is to prepare their food ahead of time so you know that they’re getting all the nutrients they need.

Here are some food prep ideas to promote healthy eating for kids:

• Keep It Simple - You don’t have to go out and buy a ton of ingredients to prepare healthy foods for your child. Keep it simple and make recipes that only require a few items. This will make it quicker and easier for you, ensuring that you can consistently make healthy food for your child—and that’s essential! Consider a 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fruit Dip or Turkey Taco Bowls.
• Make It Tasty - When kids are simply offered things like raw veggies or fruit, it isn’t entirely surprising when they don’t want to eat them. Make sure to pick tasty recipes that your child will love and look forward to eating. Some healthy recipes that are easy and pack a flavor punch are Ham and Cheddar Lunch Box Muffins or Big Mac Salad Jars.
• Incorporate Their Favorites - Each child has specific tastes and preferences, so be sure to include their favorites! There are recipes out there for all different types of food, so you should be able to find something that’s easy for you to make and full of your kid’s favorite ingredients. Many kids love chicken fingers and ranch, so consider a healthier alternative like BBQ Ranch Chicken Bites.
• Let Your Child Help - You should also consider letting your child help with their food prep. This will let you have fun while also promoting healthy eating practices that they will carry with them as they continue to grow up.

There are many different options for preparing healthy foods for your child, but one of the most important things to keep in mind is the cooking method. You will be able to make a variety of healthy recipes when you choose to bake, grill, broil, roast, poach, or steam.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta aim to serve the children in our communities, especially by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. Each of our clubs provides kids with a safe place to play, learn, exercise, and receive nutritious foods. This holiday season, consider supporting us as we help to make sure the children in our communities have enough healthy food to eat by donating to our cause today!