Getting kids to eat healthy can be a battle if you have picky eaters. It is important to make sure they are getting enough nutrients which can seem like a chore. This post will share with you 7 superfoods for kids! This is a great way to get your kids to eat healthy without a struggle!
1. Gelatin
I love gelatin! We have been including this superfood for about a year know and notice a difference when we don’t use it. I’m not talking Jello here, that is different and something that I would recommend avoiding if you are interested in being healthy. I mean grass-fed gelatin that you can get from homemade bone broth or by supplement form. I use this cold water soluble one and put it in almost everything: Tea, yogurt, applesauce, juice, cereal, etc. It has zero flavor and dissolves into anything. It’s basically undetected and adds a ton of protein and other essential nutrients. You can also make homemade bone broth and save/freeze batches. I drink a cup of this straight but no one in my family is about that life! So I have to be sneaky. I use it to cook anything: Quinoa, rice, pasta, veggies, gravy, soups, you name it. If I have to add water I will sub it for broth, or mix water and broth. The foods will receive the added nutrients and everyone will love the savory taste. Gelatin in any form has been hailed a kid friendly superfood from moms everywhere!
2. Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Not all fish oil is created equal. The processing that many brands of cod liver oil undergo results in a product with low levels of vitamin A and almost no vitamin D. Fermented cod liver oil is an unprocessed, unheated oil that is able to keep these vitamins intact. Fermented cod liver oil’s most beneficial properties are its rich concentrations of EPA and DHA. Both EPA and DHA are important omega-3 fatty acids required by the body. DHA is especially important in the function of the brain and nervous system. I had heard about the benefits of this supplement for a long time, but it was pricey and I was afraid I would spend all that money and my family would refuse to take it. I found it on Thrive Market for $30 off and decided to give it a shot! I’m so glad I did because my kids love it. They ask for seconds, and I happily oblige. Click here to try Thrive Market for yourself. This link will give you 15% off your first order and they offer free shipping on orders over $50.
3. Hemp Seeds
Those nutty tasting seeds are loaded with healthy fats, protein and essential nutrients, offer a number of benefits and make a healthful addition to your diet. Children, more than adults need adequate amounts of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 which are beneficial for brain growth. I like to add this to yogurt, smoothies and salads.
4. Avocado
The versatile fruit is the only one that provides a substantial amount of monounsaturated fat. Avocados are a naturally nutrient-dense food and contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Avocados are full of healthy, beneficial fats that help to keep you full and satiated. When you consume fat, your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite. Eating fat slows the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, which helps to keep sugar levels in your blood stable. Fat is essential for every single cell in your body. In fact, over sixty percent of your brain is made of fat. Eating healthy fats will make your skin glow, increase vitamin and mineral absorption and even help boost your immune system. You can make them into for a dip with organic corn tortilla chips or plantain chips. You can add it to smoothies and even make chocolate pudding, brownies or chocolate cupcakes.
5. Berries
Berries are low in calories, high in fiber, and they contain vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally. My kids love berries whether fresh, frozen or dried! I love to add them to yogurt, pancakes, smoothies or just a fruit salad.
6. Coconut
The coconut is a nutrient powerhouse. It is one of the closest match in nature to mother’s milk and contains immune boosting compounds. Fresh coconut milk is easy to make and without the additives like cargeenan or synthetic vitamins. We love to add coconut to yogurt parfaits, cereal, protein bars, etc.
7. Spirulina
This superfood has one of the highest concentration of chlorophyll of any food known. Chlorophyll has numerous health benefits; it’s well-known for its ability to break down and eliminate toxins and heavy metals such as DDT, PCBs, mercury, cadmium, and lead. Spirulina has also been shown to be beneficial for gastrointestinal problems, fighting infections and helping your body assimilate calcium and balance other trace minerals. Our favorite ways to include Spirulina is as a snack in my Spirulina Popcorn recipe or to add to smoothies.
