Written by Mia.
Summer is perfect for beach vacations, poolside afternoons, and extra healthy meals. In-season fresh fruits and veggies are tasty and budget-friendly. You can help your kids enjoy them in different ways. Learning which options are ready for harvesting in summer will help you plan creative ways to introduce more fruits and veggies to your little ones.
1. CANTALOUPE
When you cut into a ripe cantaloupe and smell the sweet aroma of the orange fruit, your mouth might water. The summer treat is a tasty way to add essential nutrients to your diet, start boosting energy, help the immune system, gut health, etc... Use a melon baller to scoop your cantaloupes into fun little spheres, then cut them in half if you have a toddler. Your kids may find the fruit more appealing when it’s in an entertaining shape.
2. SWEET CORN
You can buy canned sweet corn all year round, but it’s freshest in the summer. Stop by a farmers market to get a few cobs, and boil them until the corn is soft. To make them easier to eat, you can shave the corn off or break the cobs in half. Cover the corn in butter and salt for a tasty dinnertime addition.
3. STRAWBERRIES
Experts recommend eating two cups of fruit daily, but that can be difficult for kids and adults. Even when in-season fruits are most affordable, your family might not always be in the mood for them. Transform your kids’ view of a healthy snack by making a fruit and veggie tray or blending berries into smoothies. Use a low or no-sugar-added juice as your base for a hydrating, healthy snack for added natural energy.
4. CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers have a naturally sweet flavor and tons of water in every bite, so they’re a sneaky way to help your family stay hydrated. Slice up your cucumber, and have your kids dip their slices into ranch, Greek yogurt or cream cheese when they need a tasty treat.
5. GRAPES
The next time you’re at the grocery store, get a cluster of grapes. They contain natural sugars and neuroprotective components called resveratrol, which protect your child’s brain and mental clarity as they grow up. Slice them in half to reduce the risk of choking, and serve them on toothpicks between cheese slices. The salty and sweet flavors will make even the pickiest eaters smile.
6. TOMATOES
Summer is also the season for tomatoes. Whether you find them at a farmers market or harvest them in your garden, turn those juicy fruits into homemade sauce. You’ll reduce your family’s added sugar intake by blending tomatoes with your favorite spices. Your future pizza, pasta, and Parmesan chicken recipes will be meticulously crafted to supercharge healthier eating habits. The sauce will use fresh fruit.
7. WATERMELON
Watermelon consists of 92% water and is a delicious way to keep your loved ones hydrated. The next time your kids are about to start an outdoor day of fun, pack a cooler with watermelon sliced into sticks. If your little ones already love cheese sticks, the shape may appeal to them when they’re ready to snack. You could also use a melon baller to make fun shapes.
8. YELLOW SQUASH
When you show your kids a yellow squash and ask if they want to try it, they might say no. This is because the vegetable looks different from what they usually eat. Don’t worry if they’re hesitant about squash.
You can blend the ripe veggies into a sauce and mix them into dishes like mac and cheese. Any cheese-based sauce will look normal with blended squash, but the dish will feature extra nutrients your little ones need while going through growth spurts.
SAVOR HIGH QUALITY HEALTHY MEALS WITH YOUR FAMILY
Getting your kids to eat more in-season fruits and vegetables shouldn’t feel challenging. Look for the best deals when you buy groceries. Use creative ways to help your family enjoy earth energy with healthier foods. Whether you sneak the nutrient-packed ingredients into their favorite comfort dishes or help them try a new snack, your kids will enjoy a better diet without any fights at the dinner table.
