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Pretzels
Avocado Smoothie

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Sweet Potato Slices
Multi Grain Cheerios

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Dried Fruit Chips
Naturally Flavored & Organic Fruit Snacks

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Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies
Apple Sauce
Glass of Milk

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Sliced Pears
Hard Boiled Egg

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Hummus with Whole Grain Crackers and Cucumber sticks

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Snapea Crisps
Cheese Cubes
Glass of Milk

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French Toast contains eggs, a great source of protein and bread, a source of grains.
Pineapples as well contain many nutrients that help prevent arthritis and improve blood circulation.

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Canned soup contains artificial perservatives. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is easy enough for parents to make at home within minutes. This food item helps complete the child's grain, protein, and veggie nutritional needs.
Peaches and Corn both help improve the immune system.

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This homemade version of the classic boxed meal "lunchables" is a healthier alternative. Many boxed lunches include perservatives that many parents are unaware about. These ham and cheese crackers are easy, yummy, and loaded with protein, dairy, and grains.
Tangerines strengthens bones and prevents constipation.

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Chicken Meatballs are a creative way to spice up the way protein is added into a child's diet.
Carrot Fries are a healthier alternative to the traditional greasy french fries bought at fast foods.

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Quesadil make it easy for parents to sneak in protein like turkey. The food itself is filled with dairy from the cheese and grains from the tortilla.
Zucchini provides benefits such as Vitamin C and immunity towards diseases.

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Eggs are packed with protein and helps improve heart health.
Mushrooms lower the risk of bladder cancer and are filled with vitamin B.

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Veggie Dumplings are a fun way to incorporate vegetables into a meal. Black Beans with rice are high in both protein and grains.
Organic Fruit Popsicles are a more exciting alternative to include fruit in a child's diet.

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Dark Chocolate helps improve cardiovascular health when eaten in moderation. A simple milkshake helps bring dairy into a child's diet. Chicken Fettuccine Pasta with Broccoli is filled with protein, dairy, grain, and veggies.
Strawberries help lower the risk of arthritis and maintain blood pressure.
Dried Fruit Chips are a twist to traditional sliced fruits. Kids can eat them like potato chips and parent's wouldn't have to worry about the nutritious aspect of the chips. The same goes along with fruit snacks. However, parents should be careful and look at the nutrition label if there are any added perservatives (is it really organic?)

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Cinnamon helps lower blood sugar and reduces the risk for heart disease. These pancakes are a great way to incorporate grains and protein into a child's diet.
Apples help boosts the immune system and reduces cholesterol

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My sister Anna was so nice to bring us some chicken noodle soup after the baby was born. It was delicious and when I asked her about the recipe, she said the secret is in using chicken thighs.

It's also super simple to make - no need to trim the chicken ahead of time since the fat comes off easily after it's boiled. This soup is exactly what I imagine when I think of chicken noodle soup - super flavorful, loaded with chicken and tender noodles.

It's comfort in a bowl my friends. It's also kid friendly. My son and all his cousins love it! Thanks Anna for sharing this simple and delicious chicken soup recipe with us. It's going on the regular rotation at our house.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Noodle Soup:

3-4 chicken thighs, skins removed (bone-in or boneless), untrimmed
5 cups Chicken broth (we used low sodium)
10 cups water
Olive Oil to sauté veggies (do not use butter)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, (2 carrots grated, 1 carrot sliced into thin rings)
2 medium celery sticks, finely chopped (or thinly sliced if you prefer)
1/2 lb spiral pasta such as rotini
3 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
1 tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning)
Salt to taste (we use sea salt)

Cook's Tip: Have all of your ingredients prepped before you fire up your stove (chop your onions, grate & slice your carrots, chop your celery).

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup:

1. In a large soup pot, combine 10 cups water with 5 cups chicken broth and 1 Tbsp sea salt. Bring to a boil then add chicken thighs and boil uncovered or partially covered 20 min (don't completely cover or water will be murky). Skim off any impurities that rise to the top. While chicken is cooking, continue to step 2.

2. In a large skillet saute onion in 2 Tbsp olive oil (not butter - it clumps in the soup when refrigerated) over medium heat until golden then increase heat to med/high and add grated carrots, chopped celery sticks and more oil as needed. Saute, stirring often until soft and golden brown then add to the soup pot.

3. Add 1/2 lb pasta and sliced carrots to the soup pot and continue cooking for 15 min at a low boil or until pasta is at desired softness (I love super-soft, overcooked pasta in soups).

4. While pasta is cooking, remove chicken thighs from the pot and use either forks or your hands to shred the chicken, discarding any bones and fat which should come off easily. Return shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Season soup with 1 tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning) and more salt to taste if needed. Finally add 3 Tbsp dill and remove from heat. Enjoy!

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

My sister Anna's secret to chicken noodle soup is in using chicken thighs. This soup is exactly what I imagine when I think of chicken noodle soup.

Ingredients

3-4 chicken thighs, skins removed (bone-in or boneless), untrimmed

5 cups Chicken broth (we used low sodium)

10 cups water

Olive Oil to sauté veggies (do not use butter)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 medium carrots, (2 carrots grated, 1 carrot sliced into thin rings)

2 medium celery sticks, finely chopped (or thinly sliced if you prefer)

½ lb spiral pasta such as rotini

3 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill

1 tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning)

Salt to taste (we used sea salt)

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, combine 10 cups water with 5 cups chicken broth and 1 Tbsp sea salt. Bring to a boil then add chicken thighs and boil uncovered or partially covered 20 min (don't completely cover or water will be murky). Skim off any impurities that rise to the top. While chicken is cooking, continue to step 2.

2. Saute onion in 2 Tbsp olive oil (not butter - it clumps in the soup when refrigerated) over medium heat until golden then increase heat to med/high and add grated carrots, chopped celery sticks and more oil as needed. Saute, stirring often until soft and golden brown then add to the soup pot.

3. Add ½ lb pasta and sliced carrots to the soup pot and continue cooking for 15 min at a low boil or until pasta is at desired softness (I love super-soft, overcooked pasta in soups).

4. While pasta is cooking, remove chicken thighs from the pot and use either forks or your hands to shred the chicken, discarding any bones and fat which should come off easily. Return shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Season soup with 1 tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning) and more salt to taste if needed. Finally add 3 Tbsp dill and remove from heat. Enjoy!

Notes

Cook's Tip:
Have all of your ingredients prepped before you fire up your stove (chop your onions, grate & slice your carrots, chop your celery).

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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, Chicken Soup

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My sister Anna was so nice to bring us some chicken noodle soup after the baby was born. It was delicious and when I asked her about the recipe, she said the secret is in using chicken thighs.

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Cinnamon Banana Pancakes Recipe by Tasty

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No more than 1/2 a cup of juice should be given to a child each day. Juice should be 100% organic and naturally flavored. Atleast 2 cups of milk is recommended each day for toddlers. In this meal plan, milk is given during breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Although not stated, children should be given water throughout the day.

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Chickpeas are a great source of protein that aid in digestion and boosts immunity to diseases.
Rice is a source of grain.
Raspberries help stop the growth of cancer cells.
Butternut Squash is a sweet vegetable filled with fiber to keep bones healthy.

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Grilled Cheese is a great source of grain from the bread and dairy from the cheese.
Cantelope contains potassium and is filled with vitamin B.
Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies are a better alternative to goldfish which contains MSG.

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Plain Yogurt with sliced strawberries is a better alternative to ones that already contain fruit preservatives. This food item helps fulfill the child's dairy intake.
Cheerios are a great alternative to chips and is filled with grains.

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Kids and adults alike will love these 5-ingredient pizza bagel bites! They only take minutes to make & bake and even less time to devour!!

Lately we've been making pizzas for lunch using flatbreads, and I have to tell you, it's been freeing. Not having to plan ahead (to make homemade dough) has been so nice, especially with two little kiddos. The other day we were out of our favorite garlic flatbreads but we had a bag of mini bagels so we broke them into halves and used them for the base. I kind of loved them. They were a hit with our entire family, and I think they'll be one with yours too! ????

Here's what I did. I started by halving the bagels. Since there were four of us (two adults and two kids), we made 6 and it was the perfect amount. I grabbed a pouch of pizza sauce (yes, don't judge, you can make your own too but I love the Rustic Crust kind & the scratch version our grocery store sells), spread a dab of it over the bagels, topped it with a sprinkle of parmesan, some mozzarella and a generous amount of mini pepperoni.

I tossed them in the oven at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until I noticed the pepperoni getting nice and crispy on the edges. After letting them cool for a few minutes I sprinkled on a bit of extra parmesan and a pinch or two of fresh herbs. Start to finish it took me 15 minutes to make these delicious little pizza bites- that's it!

We'll be making these babies over and over again. They'd be a great party appetizer, perfect for school lunches, or a really speedy dinner solution. You can even prep them ahead of time and freeze them in a ziploc bag so when huger strikes all you have to do is toss them into the oven for a few extra minutes. ???? Next time you're at the store, grab these 5 ingredients and get busy!

5-Ingredient Pizza Bagel Bites

½ c. mini pepperoni

3 mini bagels

6 tbsp. pizza sauce (I used a package of Rustic Crust pizza sauce)

¼ c. grated parmesan cheese, divided

¾ c. grated mozzarella cheese

Optional garnish:

Freshly chopped basil or parsley

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a quarter sheet pan with a silicone baking mat.

2. Spread the pepperoni on a paper towel lined plate and microwave on high for 20 seconds. Use the paper towel to dab off all of the excess grease you can.

3. Slice (or break) the bagels in half so that you have 6 pieces, place on the prepared baking sheet. For each bagel bite, spread 1 tablespoon of sauce over top, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of parmesan cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of mozzarella, followed by a generous amount of pepperoni.

4. Place in the oven to bake until the cheese is melty and the pepperoni begins to get crispy around the edges, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3-4 minutes before sprinkling the tops with the remaining parmesan cheese and chopped herbs (if desired).

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5-Ingredient Pizza Bagel Bites - Life Made Simple

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Kids and adults alike will love these 5-ingredient pizza bagel bites! They only take minutes to make & bake and even less time to devour!! Lately we've been making pizzas for lunch using flatbreads, and I have to tell you, it's been freeing.

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Homemade Pizza Bagels supply the child with dairy, grains, and protein if any meats were to be added as a topping.
Fruit smoothies are a great alternative to icecream.

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Chicken Pasta with Peas help fulfill the child's grain, dairy, and protein intake. Peas are filled with vitamin K and is high in fiber. String Cheese is a great side snack to supply the child with dairy.
Broccoli helps improve the digestive system.
Pears are high in fibers and antioxidants.
Not all of a child's daily intake of protein has to come from meat. For instance, eggs are one way to include protein in a child's diet.

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Bagels with Cream Cheese are a great source of dairy and grains. Watermelons are 92% water and are filled with nutrients and antioxidants.

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Hawaiian bread compliments the ham and cheese sandwich well because of its sweet savory taste. These sliders include protein from the ham, dairy from the cheese, and grains from the bread. Cucumbers flush out bodily toxins and keeps children hydrated.

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Mini Crescent Dogs aka Pigs in a Blanket are a source of protein (sausages) and grains (crescent rolls). Grapes are rich in antioxidants and aid in the prevention of heart disease.
Cauliflower contains loads of Vitamin C and K.
Switching out chips and salsa for hummus and crackers is a healthier option. Hummus contains beans which is packed with protein.

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Blueberries are filled with fiber which supports heart health. The muffin is a source of grains.
Mangoes helps prevent cancer and is filled with Vitamin A, C, and E.

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Green beans are a great source of protein. Tomatoes are linked to the reduction of disease and cancer.

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Mac and Cheese satisfies the child's dairy, protein, and grain intake.
Carrots are high in Vitamin A and helps aid the body in digestion.
Bananas are high in potassium and support a healthy heart.
Snapea Crisps are a more healthier alternative to classic  potato chips.
Cheese Cubes contain lots of calcium and protein which are great for bones.

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For children 1+, honey includes various nutritional benefits and contains medicinal properties to control coughing. Rather than syrup, honey should be used to complement the child's source of grains: waffles. Apple sauce is a great way to include fiber in the child's diet.

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In this nutritional meal plan, I incorporated honey in some recipes. Honey should NOT be given to children less than one because of the risk of obtaining botulism, a bacterial disease.

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Circular cut fruits are considered choking hazards to toddlers! Before serving, I recommend cutting it in halves. Also, all meals should be given in small portions so that the child does not feel overwhelmed by the large amount of food on their plate.

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Chickpeas with Rice
Raspberries
Roasted Butternut Squash

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Chicken Meatballs with Rice
Baked Carrot Fries

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Dark Chocolate Milkshake
Chicken Fettuccine Pasta with Broccoli
Sliced Strawberries

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French Toast
Sliced Pineapples
Glass of Milk

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Veggie Dumplings
Black Beans with Rice
Organic Fruit Popsicles
Glass of Milk

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Grilled Cheese
Sliced Cantelope
Carrot Sticks
100% Orange Juice

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Scrambled Eggs
Roasted Mushrooms
Glass of Milk

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Ham and Cheese Crackers
Tangerine Slices
Glass of Milk

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Banana & Cinnamon Pancakes*
Apple Slices
Glass of Milk

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup*
Organic Whole Kernel Corn
Sliced Peaches

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Turkey Quesadillas
Roasted Zucchini
Glass of Milk

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Bagels and Cream Cheese
Fresh Cut Watermelons
Glass of Milk

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Homemade Pizza Bagels
Berry & Banana Smoothie
Steamed Carrots

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Pigs in a Blanket*
Seedless Grapes (Halved)
Roasted Cauliflower

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Blueberry Muffin
Fresh Cut Mangoes
Glass of Milk

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Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Bread Sliders
Sliced Cucumbers (Halved)
Glass of Milk

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Chicken Pasta with Peas
String Cheese
Steamed Broccoli
Glass of Milk

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Plain Yogurt with Strawberries
Plain Cheerios
Glass of Milk

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Spaghetti Noodles with Tomato Sauce
Steamed Green Beans

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Mac and Cheese with Ham
Carrots and Ranch
Frozen Banana Slices
(must be cut in halves)
100% Apple Juice

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Mini Waffles with Honey
Apple Sauce
Glass of Milk