With the onset of warmer weather, we tell our kids that spring cleaning is important. We should also be teaching them that it’s good to apply that principle to our diets. Ditching the heavy foods of fall and winter and incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies is the perfect way to “spring clean” your kids’ diets. Here are a few healthy spring recipes your kids are sure to love to get them on-board:
Ranch Roasted Carrots
Carrots are abundant at spring farmers markets! So, pick up a bunch or two for this recipe. These delicious and healthy carrots make a great snack or a perfect side dish. Start by washing and slicing up the carrots at an angle. Toss in 1 tbsp of olive oil and a packet of ranch seasoning mix. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Fruit and Veggie Sheet Pan Pancakes
If you’re looking for a way to add fruit and veggies to your kids’ diets this spring, this is an easy one! In a bowl, add 4 cups of Bisquick, 2 cups of whole milk, 4 eggs, ½ cup of powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, and half a cup of finely grated carrots. Mix until combined and spread evenly into a greased sheet pan. Top with fresh strawberries which are in peak season from April until June. Bake for 12 minutes at 425 degrees. Slice up and serve with syrup!
No-Bake Pear “Donuts”
While pears aren’t necessarily a spring fruit, you can almost always find them at the grocery store year-round. Slice up pears into circles. Remove the center. Use Greek yogurt as icing and top with sliced strawberries, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and dark chocolate chips.
Spinach Apricot Banana Smoothie
Smoothies are perfect for hiding one of spring’s most nutritious vegetables—spinach! Add fresh apricots (also in season in spring) and bananas to mask the taste of the spinach. Combine 2 cups of spinach, 2 apricots (pitted), 1 banana, and ½ of almond milk or Greek yogurt in the blender and you’ll have a smoothie packed with nutrients that your kids will request over and over.
