Kid's meals have to be quick, flavorful and healthy. Getting kids to eat vegetables is a major task. Finding a way to get vegetables into the mouths of kids is easy when they are involved in the fun. Coming up with creative ways to get kids involved in the preparation and the cooking of kids' recipes is part of the fun. Child friendly recipes will allow you the peace of knowing your children are eating healthy and they will enjoy feeling in control of what they are being fed.

Take your children grocery shopping with you. Let them choose the fruits and vegetables that they like. This is generally the simplest way even with children as young as 4 years old. Kids learn to eat healthier when they are a part of the cooking and the meal planning for the family.

Children love color. Even with fruits and vegetables, kids will first look, then smell, and finally taste. So a variety of color in meals is great. Eating a variety of foods greatly improves the chances of getting all the nutrients you and your family need for your best health.

A fun way to get your kids to eat vegetables is to use the vegetables as part of a project. Kids get to count, make shapes, and then eat what they create. You get the reassurance of knowing that you are including nutritious foods into their diet.

Kids Recipes for Create My Own Soup

Let your children separate the carrots and celery pieces. Let them spell their names with the noodles if you include alphabet noodles. You may find other kid-friendly noodles like car shapes, etc. Create a theme of the soup creation.

Cut various shapes out of the carrot slices and zucchini (using an aspic cutter) then set to the side.

Ingredients:
*1-2 carrots
*1 zucchini
*4 cups low sodium chicken broth
*1/4 cup shaped pasta
*Dash of sage
*3/4 cup chopped, cooked chicken
*Salt and pepper to taste

Bringing it All Together:

*Let the children help you wash the vegetables. After they finish you can wash the carrots and zucchini lightly with a vegetable brush.
*Cut the vegetables into 1/4-inch slices.
*Cut various shapes out of the carrot & zucchini slices, and set them aside.

*In a medium sized pot, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.
*Add the carrot stars and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the carrots start to become tender.
*Add the pasta, zucchini and chicken. Continue cooking the soup for another few minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the pasta is done. Makes 4 servings.

*Let your children find their names or count the number of shapes in their soup bowl. The children will like the exciting activity and fun, you will feel good knowing they are eating their vegetables.

Sustainable Living Articles @ http://www.articlegarden.com 

By: Christine Steendahl

Would you like more Kid-Friendly Recipes? Christine Steendahl – “The Menu Mom” encourages you to visit Kid Approved Meals at www.kidapprovedmeals.com to download your personal 13 week breakfast and lunch menu made just for children!