Healthy Grocery Shopping with Kids

Most parents can agree that bringing kids grocery shopping can be a difficult task. Bribery might be key in getting through the shopping trip...and many kids are easily bribed by the highly processed, sugary snacks found conveniently at eye level in the middle aisles. You aren't a bad parent if you let your kid indulge in these kind of snacks and no one is passing judgement. But why not get your child more involved in HEALTHY grocery shopping, meal selection/planning and cooking? Lead by example and make the promise to start today! I really like this article, which shows ways for your child to be more involved in healthy shopping and meal planning. Check it out here.

As far as recipe ideas...How about making paleo friendly treats next time instead of boxed cupcakes? Or homemade goldfish instead of store bought? Green "slime" smoothies are a great way to sneak in veggies like kale and spinach (throw a frozen banana in your blender and you can disguise the taste of just about ANYTHING!). Blend together bananas and almond butter, then freeze, for a healthy ice cream option. Why not try homemade fruit snacks? Or, just make veggies and fruits easily accessible for kids in your kitchen, rather than the other junk. Many times if your kids see you eating healthy, they will want to do the same. Pinterest has a wealth of recipes ideas (I linked to just a few) so do some exploring and get creative.

Have your child search Pinterest with you (or your cookbook/the internet) and pick out a healthy recipe that looks good to them. Kids are more likely to eat if they feel in charge...and we all know kids loves to help out in the kitchen!!

We will start talking about nutrition during our kids classes, so please talk about it at home with your keiki, and encourage healthy eating! One thing I should say...look at nutrition just like you look at your personal goals. Take small steps and start eliminating the bad and adding the good. Make an attainable goal for your family...once you reach it, make another!

-BCCF Kids Coaches