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Recipes for kids: Have fun with healthy eating

Help your children to develop healthy-eating habits by getting them involved in the kitchen. Have fun with these recipes for kids.

By Mayo Clinic staff

The percentage of overweight children and teens has more than doubled in the past 30 years. And overweight kids are likely to become overweight or obese adults — putting them at risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic health problems.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Research has shown that children — even teens — really do listen to their parents and follow their lead. So set a good example and help your kids develop healthy-eating habits.

Start by pulling out a few fun and healthy recipes for kids. Then invite your youngsters to become junior chefs. Or ask them to pick their favorite recipes for kids and offer to serve as their kitchen assistant.

Cooking together is the perfect opportunity to talk about healthy-food choices. Give it a try with these tempting and tasty recipes for kids:

Breakfast of champions

Fun with veggies

Healthy snack or dessert

Quick and easy lunch or dinner

References
  1. Why obesity is a health problem for families and children. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/healthy-weight-basics/obesity.htm. Accessed May 21, 2012.
  2. Learn the basics about energy balance and healthy weight. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/healthy-weight-basics/index.htm. Accessed May 21, 2012.
  3. Nelson JK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 21, 2012.

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Aug. 15, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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