Getting kids to eat healthy food can be so frustrating. It’s like you want to scream, “JUST EAT IT!” – or maybe you have already done that. If you are ready to scream with frustration, pack it in and serve your child Kraft Dinner for the next ten years, just wait, because we’ve compiled a list of recipes that are sure to have at least one kid approved meal that will make your child happy. They may not be filled with Kale and Quinoa, but they will get your kids some of the nutrients they need, and get you a peaceful supper. Remember, you can always improvise and switch out a veggie the recipe is calling for, and replace it with your child’s favorite veggie. If your little one hates every vegetable, throw some cooked veggies in a food processor and make a cheesy sauce that will nourish your unsuspecting health victim.
Tacos are always an easy go to. They are packed with protein and maybe even a few vegetables. Add avocado to the ranch dip in a food processor to get some extra healthy fats in this meal.
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Who can say no to this?! They look good and taste good. This home made version of your child’s favorite fast food eliminates the unhealthy additives and increase their love for dinner time. It’s a win all around!
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It may look like it has a whole pile of ingredients your child will reject, but add a generous layer of cheese, top with salsa and sour cream and there is no way your mini me can say no to this treat for supper.
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I consider this the most wonderful trick in the parent playbook. Grab some cauliflower and make your child’s favorite side dish without them suspecting a thing. It’s gooey cheese and delicious dip will be almost too delicious to handle that the cauliflower won’t even be given a second thought.
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Who doesn’t love some serious Chinese food? This meal is a lighter take on the dish you order when you’ve given up hope as a parent who cooks. Whip this up and you will be pleased with the smile that appears on that picky eater’s face with the first bite.
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When I was younger, I hated rice so much! So my parents would put together a cheesy sauce to coat it so I would eat it. And it worked! Do the same thing for this recipe and add your child’s favorite veggies if they have any.
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Bake this wonderful concoction in the oven and serve hot for supper. It’s sweet and filled with some yummy red peppers that are cut small enough to not bother any picky eaters.
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Instead of Kraft Dinner, resort to a more wholesome approach to Mac and Cheese. Gnocchi is made with potato instead of processed grains so it’s simply a better option if you want to make your child happy without a whole pile of effort.
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Are your kids begging your chips instead of supper? Slice up some potatoes very thinly and serve with their favorite nacho toppings. It skips the frying and includes some protein and carbs – maybe you can even squeeze in some home made salsa for some added vitamins!
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A childhood favorite can actually be healthy! Make some tater tots from scratch with only wholesome ingredients to fill some little tummies and have a few leftovers for yourself.
Lindsay loves cooking fun and creative meals for friends and family. At home, you can find her trying out a new recipe found on Pinterest while trying to balance her husband's sweet tooth with her healthy eating habits. If she's not in the kitchen, you'll find Lindsay photographing people she loves and going out with friends to try the newest restaurant in her small town.