As a parent, it can be difficult to get your kids to eat healthy foods, especially if they are picky eaters. It can be next-to-impossible to attempt to get your child to eat their turkey sandwich and carrots for lunch instead of something junky, especially when the kid next to them is eating a piece of pizza and chips. Not to mention that as a parent, you constantly have your hands full, so you don’t always have time to go grocery shopping and prepare the freshest foods. Sometimes, shortcuts are just the way to go.
Luckily for you, there are ways to make your life easier in the kitchen that will not only make it more likely that your kids eat healthy, but it will also help cut down on your prep time. Try using these following six food hacks that are essential for every parent who wants an easier time making food that’s quick, tasty, and healthy.
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Are your kids not getting enough greens? Sneak some spinach into their dessert, and they’ll have no idea they’re getting a healthy dose of calcium, iron, and vitamin K. The taste of rich chocolate masks the bitter flavor of spinach, making it likely that everyone in the family will be clamoring to get their secret fill of veggies with these brownies.
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2. Spiralizer
Spiralized vegetable noodles are another great way to get your kids to enjoy vegetables without them knowing it. Using a spiralizer, you can turn zucchini, sweet potato, beets, and other vegetables into a spaghetti-like dish and serve it just as you would a normal pasta meal. The contraption is inexpensive and takes just as much time to prepare as it would to boil pasta, so there are plenty of options that can be made for kids and adults alike.
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3. Fun-shaped Eggs
Nothing makes kids more excited to eat than whentheir food is in fun shapes. Spice up your breakfast by using cookie cutters to shape your morning eggs. Just crack your egg into a cookie mold when making your egg in a pan– just make sure not to use a nonstick pan so you don’t damage the surface. This can also be a great idea for brunch parties or a holiday– cue the Christmas-shaped eggs!
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4. Cauliflower crust
Most people love pizza just as much as they hate cauliflower, so why not make the cruciferous vegetable more like the beloved American staple? Next time you make a pizza, substitute your empty refined flour crust with one made of cauliflower. Top it with your usual marinara sauce, cheese, and toppings, and your kids won’t even know they’re eating something healthy.
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5. Greek yogurt as cream
Greek yogurt is a major game-changer when it comes to substitutions. The probiotic-filled superfood can be used in place of heavy cream, mayo, and sour cream. By replacing your creamy ingredients with Greek yogurt, you’re not only helping to reduce fat, but you’re adding protein as well as aiding in digestion.
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6. Banana ice cream
It might sound crazy, but freezing and blending a banana can make an ice cream dish that rivals any local creamery. Just keep some frozen bananas in the freezer and blend them with cocoa powder or your fruit of choice to make a bowl of ice cream that surprisingly resembles the real deal.
More healthy recipes:
This article originally appeared on SimpleMost.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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