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12 Super Foods For Growing Youngsters (No Fast Food On This List!)
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Growing children need so much nutrition! They have high energy and nutritional needs that are very different from adults. While they are growing, their brains, internal organs, bones, and muscles need specific vitamins and minerals in order to develop properly.
Our modern lifestyles make it difficult for most parents to prepare healthy meals, and we might as well face the facts: No matter how hard you try, you will never stop your child from eating chips, cupcakes, Twinkies, and other not-so-good stuff. Even if you home school, your child will make friends in the neighborhood who will introduce foods that you probably wouldn’t choose for your child.
The good news here is that as long as you offer and prepare healthy, wholesome foods at home most of the time, the rest won’t matter so much. In fact, children often develop a taste and preference for wholesome foods when they consume them regularly, and after trying some of those junk foods, they usually come back to what they know.
Work on making organization and scheduling a priority so that you can serve your family healthy, home-cooked meals as much as possible. Slow cookers are a working mom’s best friend, and careful planning will have snacks made the night before — something your kids will reach for when they get home from school.
We have a list of 12 of the best super foods that can benefit all growing children. The best part? These are foods that they will actually eat! Keep reading so your kids will look forward to dinner rather than looking forward to Mickey D’s.
1. Carrots
Most kids like carrots because they are the original finger food. If your kids don’t like the texture or flavor of raw carrots, try cooking them, as this sweetens them up. Or you can offer baby carrots, which are smaller, easier to hold, and sweeter. Carrots are loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, which is vital for the skin, eyesight, and a healthy immune system.
2. Nuts
This is the perfect after school or movie time snack! Offering raw, unsalted, mixed nuts will ensure that your kids find their favorites. Almonds have plenty of vitamin E, hazelnuts are also loaded with vitamin E, walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, pistachios have loads of B6 for the immune system, and cashews are big brain-boosters with lots of magnesium! No matter what type of nut your kid favors, they can offer them some super nutrition.
3. Beans
Beans are low in fat, calories, and sodium, and they are immensely beneficial for growing children. Beans are super high in antioxidants, protein, and calcium, iron, fiber, and B vitamins. Beans will give your kids energy, put them in good mood, and help maintain a healthy body weight — all while giving them a song to sing you as you serve them. (You know the song… “beans, beans the magical fruit…”) Try having Mexican night and serving bean burritos or a hearty bean soup on a cold day.
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