by Breanne Nalder Harward, MS, RDN
Let’s face it parents: life with kiddo is crazy! Getting the whole family healthy balanced meals is like aiming at a moving target. It sounds like a simple thing to do, finding balance in all things when raising children, doesn’t it? I’ll be the first to admit, even with nutrition as my profession, I still struggle with feeling confident that my littles are getting all that they need every day. So I wanted to provide a few simple tips to finding balance in health and happiness for the whole family.
Eat in color!
Nutrients are found in colorful food. So whenever you are eating, try to incorporate at least 1 fruit/veggie into every meal/snack. He eat on average 3 to 6 times per day so focusing on adding one color from the rainbow, each time, adds up to our minimum needs a five servings a day.
Let them choose!
When our kids have the power of choice, they will actually want it. Simply providing a couple of healthy options puts them in control without it being a lecture. For example, you could say “what could we add to this cereal to make it more colorful? Blueberries or bananas?” Then, no matter what they choose, either is correct!
Top it off with a multivitamin!
The purpose of supplements is to make up for what we may not get through food alone. Therefore, making sure we take one vitamin a day guarantees we get our essential nutrients, even if the day gets away from us, and we have to pivot our food plan.
Make food together!
The best way to get cooperation from kiddos to eat healthy food is to make it interactive. So get out your aprons and mixing bowls and don’t worry about the mess!
The recipe provided is meant to hit on all these tips, and more importantly it tastes delicious! This apple zucchini bread is full of natural nutrition, incorporates 2 colors, and it’s fun to make together. I hope your whole family can enjoy. Yum!
Breanne Nalder Harward, MS, RDN, earned a BS in Biology and Sociology from Westminster College and went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Sports Dietetics from the University of Utah. She is licensed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), professional cyclist, and mom of 2 adorable girls (and 2 fur baby dogs!). You can find more info on her at website: plan7coaching.com or follow her on Instagram @breezysaycheezy, or email her directly [email protected].