This post is sponsored by the American Egg Board
As the school year rolls around, it is my desire to help parents provide their kids with a variety of nutrient-dense food options. Although children have individual nutrient needs, activity patterns, and different reactions to food, they all share the same right to eat. The tricky part is learning how to make nutritious and delicious food they will actually eat. As a transformed picky eater, I’m living proof that nutritious foods can be fun, attractive and super delicious! And to make it more fun the American Egg Board has launched the You’re Incredible Because… campaign highlighting the importance of high-quality protein foods, like eggs, to fuel students to be their best.
The You’re Incredible Because… contest aims to inspire others to share why their kids, friends and classmates are incredible and calls for stories of incredible kids from all across the country in an effort to celebrate back to school.
Entering the contest is as easy as submitting a photo or video to the Incredible Egg’s Facebook contest posts, or your own Twitter or Instagram along with a caption explaining why the kid in your life is incredible. Posts using the hashtags #IncredibleBecause and #Contest to be considered contest entries and are eligible for the grand prize and weekly prizes.
Here are six tips to always remember when trying to prepare foods for your kids:
Talk about the benefits – It is important to talk about the nutrients food offers and how they can have powerful results in their young bodies. For example, high-quality protein foods, like eggs, can fuel students to be their best. They also include lutein, an important nutrient for brain health. In fact, two recent studies showed a positive association between brain lutein content and academic performance in children.
Keep kids involved in the kitchen – Kids love taking part in activities in the kitchen. Do not be afraid to let them in your domain. Give them simple tasks like measuring flour, or mixing eggs so they can become confident in the kitchen. Setting the table and even giving them clean up duties will help them learn responsibility around the house.
Offer different textures – Keep things interesting by preparing recipes that offer different textures and flavors. They may be able to look through cookbooks and magazines and help you decide their next meal.
Adventure with new foods – Most children and even adults are sometimes afraid to taste new foods. I recommend introducing a variety of foods in different flavors, shapes and forms at an early age to create an appreciation for foods from different cultures.
Be a role model – Kids mirror our behavior. Always show them how much you enjoy eating nutritious foods. They are always watching even though we may not notice.
Send them off with a hug and a kiss – Not matter how busy you are in the mornings, it is important to let your kids know how much you love them. Do not be afraid to express your love for them. Kids need affection, especially from their love ones.
Here is one of my favorite breakfast recipes. Eggs are my go-to for breakfast for the whole family, but they are also the perfect snack and a great addition to lunch or dinner on busy weekday nights. At under $.20 each, eggs are one of the least expensive sources of high-quality protein per serving. Enjoy!
Huevos Rancheros Burrito
A delicious and full of nutrients burrito your kids will be asking for every day
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
¼ to ½ cup Mexican salsa
8 medium eggs, beat
8 whole grain tortillas, medium
1 large avocado, thinly sliced
1 medium tomato
4 medium whole grain tortillas
Preparation:
1. In a blender, puree beans with salsa. Set aside
2. In a medium skillet, spray with non stick cooking oil and cook eggs over medium heat until moist and fluffy, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
3. To assemble tostada, use the following toppings. For each tortilla, spread bean puree over the four tortillas, divide eggs among the four tortillas an topped with a couple slices of tomatoes and a sliced of cheese. Sprinkle each tostada with a pinch of seasoning salt or herbs. Serve or wrap for lunch.
Serves: 4 medium burritos
