As summer approaches, the days get longer; so your child will be playing outside more and more often! We have found some great recipies to give your child more energy to run around while keeping it healthy!
1. Raw Sesame Seed Bars
These natural bars are simple and easy to make while also great fun for your little one to help make with you! We all know how much kids like cooking! These bars use ingredients which are easy to source, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The recipe doesn’t require any equipment, which means it’s easy to make in big bunches—so you can invite all your kids’ friends over and make lots of bars! This is not only a healthy and fun thing for all the kids to do, but also gives them more confidence in the kitchen. It’s a nice thing to do for the holidays or over the weekend!
http://www.therawtarian.com/raw-sesame-seed-bar-recipe
2. Raw Chocolate Shake
Who doesn’t like chocolate? It’s the secret indulgence that no one admits out loud they have too much of. But deep down, we know we could cut back!
Well guess what? Kids also love chocolate! So why not incorporate some hidden fruit in there too? The Raw Chocolate Shake is your answer!
This shake is super easy to make. The recipe says to add banana, but you can experiment with different ingredients. Just throw everything into the blender and you’re done! What’s not to like? Even better, it can be chilled to cool you down in the summer heat.
http://www.therawtarian.com/raw-chocolate-shake-recipe
3. Raw Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Yes. Another chocolate recipe. Don’t get too excited! It has hidden avocado in it—but shhh! Don’t tell the kids!
This is another throw-it-in-the blender recipe which is great to do with the kids (watch out for fingers).
http://www.therawtarian.com/raw-chocolate-avocado-pudding-recipe
4. Spicy Mixed-Potato Wedges
Who said chips weren’t healthy? This recipe is a bit more technical, but it can be done! These wedges open up the door to new spices and tastes for your little one, as well as showing them that there are healthier alternatives to the bad, but good-tasting foods in life.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/smoky-mixed-potato-wedges/#VLiOw17yLpLUvtmP.97
5. One-cup Pancakes with Blueberries
Pancakes? Who said that?
Pancakes. I mean, who doesn’t like pancakes? Throw in some blueberries and you’ve even got fruit in there! Share your love for pancakes with this easy-to-follow recipe that your child can help out with!
These pancakes aren’t the healthiest on the list, but after all your hard work throughout the rest of the week making these tasteful treats, they aren’t too bad!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/one-cup-pancakes-with-blueberries/
6. Mint and Fruit Smoothie
Just imagine—you’re sat in the garden as the sun beats down on you, your kid is playing in the pool and you reach to your right; not to pick up your phone, but your cold smoothie! This Mint and Fruit Smoothie is a fun thing to make with your kids! It’s a healthy alternative to a coke in the fridge and is packed with vitamins and other good stuff. The mint is sure to keep you feeling fresh and ready to play football once your kid has had enough of the water! Your child will also enjoy the refreshing taste of this blended drink!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mint-and-Fruit-Smoothie/Detail.aspx?evt19=1&referringHubId=15096
7. BLT Salad
Ah, the classical BLT, something which is in some people’s everyday routine! Well, now you and your kid can make a more summer-oriented salad! This salad is easy to make, not needing a lot of ingredients to make a healthy and tasteful lunch. It doesn’t need much preparation, and your child will feel involved when they can cut the tomatoes (with supervision) or even just wash the salad! There are many ways for them to get involved in making this lunch for themselves or for all the guests when they come around!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/BLT-Salad/Detail.aspx?evt19=1&referringHubId=15096
8. Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
Greens. The one thing your child turns their nose up at. But with this recipe, you can prove that not all green things have to taste bad!
No, I’m not talking about adding green food dye to a cake.
I’m talking about this healthy casserole which your kid can help you prepare! This recipe is a bit more complex and boosts your kids’ confidence in the kitchen dramatically! Help show them that being healthy can also be tasty with this recipe!
9. Extra Easy Hummus
Well, it’s in the name isn’t it? Why not introduce your kid to new flavors and textures with this easy-to-make hummus! The simplicity might just shock them, while they might shock you by dipping some carrot sticks into it! It’s a perfect side with any of the other recipes listed or as a small snack.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Extra-Easy-Hummus/Detail.aspx?evt19=1&referringHubId=15096
10. Smoothie Ice Lollies
Perhaps you loved a smoothie already listed? Or you just want to try a different one? You can say no to the ice cream van and make your own ice lollies with your kid! These lollies are super easy to make and the result can be very tasty but also very door-opening! You can try new fruits in these lollies and experiment, meaning you’re also experimenting with your kids’ food pallet and exposing them to new things that they may not have tried on their own!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/smoothie-ice-lollies/#lxAMwDy40tzlezXq.97
11. Mango Cooler
This mango cooler is easy to make and has many purposes, whether you and your kid want to sit out in the garden and enjoy this drink or want to cool your mouth from that spicy meal you just had. It’s a great and easy thing to make during the summer. Your child can help out in numerous ways and enjoy the sweet product at the end!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/mango-cooler/#dURdWQvlH6Closcs.97
12. Root Vegetable Salad
Who said eating vegetables were boring? With this tasty salad you can impress your little one by peeling vegetables into thin strips. These strips can be made into a variety of different sizes and even shapes! If your kid can’t fully see what he’s eating..what is there to say no to? This salad is a different approach to introducing your little one to more vegetables, and it’s super easy to make! Perhaps mix this salad with that Extra Easy Hummus? That would make for a tasty summery lunch!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/root-vegetable-salad/#xfwDt5esO4MeosIJ.97
13. Banana Bread
Banana bread—perhaps not one of the healthiest ways to get fruit into you and your child, but it’s certainly a nice way to do it! This is something a bit different that you could try with your kid! Walking down by the river and feeding the ducks some normal bread while basking in the sun and eating your banana bread you just baked that morning? How nice would that be? This recipe isn’t too tricky, but it will amaze your little one! Baking still amazes me sometimes!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/banana-bread/#GF8PPKOxsv98BvZH.97
14. Super Smoothies
Full of different fruits, these smoothies are a great way to start your day or to impress guests who come over for a barbecue! The recipe is flexible for other fruits too, so you can experiment and make some great and refreshing drinks! All of the smoothies listed are an easy thing to make with your little one, but also a great way to get more fruit in them than they realize!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/super-smoothies/#bVtj07xHR0jz3yXG.97
15. Crunchy Chicken Pieces with Yogurt Dip
Just chicken nuggets, right? That’s what you can show your kid as they breadcrumb the chicken! It’s easy to get your kid involved in this recipe, since there are several things you can let them do to help you out. It comes with a side of herby yogurt and some fresh tomatoes.
I hope you have found some nice things you can make with your kids! Enjoy the time you spend with them and enjoy the food you make!
Featured photo credit: Viktor Hanacek via picjumbo.com
