March is National Nutrition Month, and at Common Ground, we're excited to share tips on healthy eating for kids, along with some easy and delicious recipes that your little chefs can help prepare. Nutrition plays a crucial role in children's development, and instilling healthy eating habits early on can pave the way for a lifetime of good choices. Here's how you can make nutrition fun and engaging for your children.

Healthy Eating Tips for Kids:

1. Incorporate a Variety of Foods: Offer a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to ensure a range of nutrients. Make it a game to see how many colors they can eat in a day!

2. Choose Whole Grains: Opt for whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals. These provide more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterparts.

3. Stay Hydrated with Healthy Drinks: Encourage kids to drink water, and limit sugary drinks. Making fruit-infused water or herbal teas can be a fun alternative.

4. Involve Kids in Meal Planning: Let your children help plan meals. They’re more likely to eat something they’ve chosen or helped to prepare.

5. Moderate Portion Sizes: Teach kids to listen to their hunger cues. Serve appropriate portion sizes and encourage them to eat slowly.

6. Limit Processed Snacks: Opt for whole-food snacks like fruit, vegetables with dip, or nuts, instead of processed foods with added sugars and unhealthy fats.

7. Make Healthy Eating a Family Affair: Lead by example. Eat healthy meals together as a family as often as possible.

Easy and Nutritious Recipes Kids Can Help Prepare:

1. Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip

• Ingredients: A selection of colorful fruits (like grapes, strawberries, and pineapple) and Greek yogurt.

• How to Make: Let kids thread chunks of fruit onto skewers. Mix a little honey into Greek yogurt for a delicious dip.

2. Vegetable Pita Pizzas

• Ingredients: Whole wheat pita bread, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and various chopped vegetables.

• How to Make: Let kids spread tomato sauce on pita bread, sprinkle cheese, and add their favorite veggies. Bake until the cheese is melted.

3. DIY Whole Grain Wraps

• Ingredients: Whole grain tortillas, lean protein (like turkey or chicken), and a variety of vegetables.

• How to Make: Kids can choose their fillings and help roll up the wraps.

4. Homemade Trail Mix

• Ingredients: A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips.

• How to Make: Let the kids mix together their favorite trail mix ingredients.

5. Smoothie Bowls

• Ingredients: Frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, and toppings like granola, coconut, and fresh fruit.

• How to Make: Blend frozen fruit with Greek yogurt and let kids decorate their smoothie bowl with their favorite toppings.

6. No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls

• Ingredients: Rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.

• How to Make: Mix all ingredients and have the kids help roll the mixture into balls.

Remember, the goal is not only to feed your children nutritious meals but also to educate them about the importance of good nutrition in a fun and engaging way. These activities not only promote healthy habits but also provide valuable family bonding time.

Happy Nutrition Month from all of us at Common Ground! Let's make healthy eating a joyful and delicious journey for our children.

For more tips on child nutrition and other parenting advice, keep reading the Common Ground Child Care Blog, or get in touch with us for personalized guidance. Here's to a healthier, happier month!