Affordable Ways to Make Meals Healthier for Kids

As the economy worsens, more families are being forced to choose between expensive foods that are healthy and those that are more affordable, but less nutritious.

Buying the leanest meats and the freshest produce isn’t always financially realistic when one has to feed a large family on a skin-tight budget. Thankfully, there are some budget-friendly ways parents can make everyday dishes better for children to eat.

Bake or Broil Instead of Frying

Broiling and baking eliminates the need to prepare foods with artery-clogging oils. Things like bacon, hamburger, chicken, fish and potatoes can be prepared in the oven and taste just as delicious as the deep fried versions.

If using oil in kids’ meals can’t be avoided, opt for healthier alternatives such as coconut or olive. Also, trimming away excess fat and removing the skin from meats will make them healthier for children to eat.

Use Table Salt in Moderation

Excessive amounts of salt can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Not only is salt a seasoning, it's also used as a preservative in a lot of the processed foods that are used to prepare meals – so practice moderation when adding table salt to foods.

Buy Frozen, Canned, and Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

While it’s nice to have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for kids to choose from, it’s not always possible when money is low. But instead of buying junk foods because they appear to be more budget-friendly, opt for vegetables and fruits that are frozen or canned.

Off-season fruits and veggies are far more expensive than seasonal produce. For instance, buying strawberries in the summertime when they're more abundant and easier to grow is cheaper than purchasing them during the winter months. Some produce such as potatoes and bananas are affordable year round.

Offset the Cost of Fresh Produce by Growing a Small Garden

One of the most affordable ways to provide an abundance of fresh produce to use in kids’ meals is to grow some of it right in the backyard. All it takes is a little elbow grease. So roll up those sleeves, enlist the help of the little ones and start planting.

Beginning gardeners should start with produce that’s easy to grow such as tomatoes, radishes and green beans. As gardening skills improve, vegetables that are more challenging can be added. Be sure not to let all that fresh, homegrown produce go to waste. If there isn’t an immediate need for the produce when it's harvested, bag and freeze it to use at a later date.

Using these budget-friendly tips will help make mealtimes healthier for children to enjoy.