8 Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes You'll Love Too (2024)

FAQs

What to cook for a picky eater kid? ›

Dark leafy greens are high in Vitamin B-12, B9 (also known asfolate) and other B-vitamins. B-vitamins get an “A+” when it comes to producing natural brain chemicals that positively affect mood and other brain functions. Common leafy greens that you can grow in your garden include kale and spinach.

Helpful feeding information for your school-age child

School-age children (ages 6 to 12) need healthy foods and nutritious snacks. They have a consistent but slow rate of growth and usually eat 4 to 5 times a day (including snacks). Many food habits, likes, and dislikes are set during this time.

Teenagers aged 12-13 years should aim for 2 serves of fruit; 5-5½ serves of vegies; 3½ serves of dairy; 5-6 serves of grains; and 2½ serves of lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds or legumes. Teens need plenty of water – the cheapest, healthiest and most thirst-quenching drink.

Have chopped and ready-to-eat fruit and veg, like apple, carrot, cucumber, celery, peppers, peeled satsuma segments, strawberries, halved grapes, tinned pineapple or melon slices pre-prepared for an easy snack kids can eat with their fingers.

Gradually introduce other foods and keep going back to the foods your child did not like before. Children's tastes change. One day they'll hate something, but a month later they may love it. Keep offering a variety of foods – it may take lots of attempts before your child accepts some foods.

Aiming for vegetables with mild or sweet flavors can be the best way to begin because they tend to be more acceptable to picky tastebuds. Vegetables considered mild in flavor include cauliflower, cucumbers, zucchini, and spinach. Sweet tasting vegetables are sweet potatoes, carrots, delicata squash, and sweet peppers.

Speaking of cheese and tortillas, or any form of bread, quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches are no-brainers. Graham's son was 9 when he started making his own quesadillas. It's still his go-to meal.

Can a 12 year old cook alone? ›

Any child who can read and be trusted to follow directions on their own is a perfect fit for Kids Cook Solo, especially if they have any interest in cooking themselves. NO prior experience necessary!

Never Too Young To Start

As children get older, they can start developing actual skills in the kitchen. Here's an overview of cooking skills by age: 3- to 5-year-olds: Young children require hands-on supervision and coaching as they develop fine-motor skills.

Tastepreferences are created in early childhood [15]. In general, children prefer sweet and dairy products as well as foods rich in fat, which are characterized by high energy density.

Picky eaters will love our classic dishes like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and fish fingers. Or try introducing new flavours and textures with our easy curries, stir-fries and stews. Get your little ones their 5-a-day with our easy ideas to pack in more veggies, including hidden veg sauces and healthy recipes.

Kids love classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Innova notes that fruit flavors for kids are beginning to diversify. Red apple, peach, pineapple, and red raspberry made it into the top 20 flavors and niches like pear, blackcurrant, and passion fruit show strong growth.