12 Nutritious, Delicious + Kid-Approved Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are healthy foods for 12 year olds? ›

Teenagers aged 12-13 years should aim for 2 serves of fruit; 5-5½ serves of vegies; 3½ serves of dairy; 5-6 serves of grains; and 2½ serves of lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds or legumes. Teens need plenty of water – the cheapest, healthiest and most thirst-quenching drink.

Choose beans and peas, nuts, seeds, and other plant-based healthy protein options, as well as fish, eggs, and poultry. Limit red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and avoid processed meats (bacon, deli meats, hot dogs, sausages).

Wendy's stands out as the frontrunner, offering a meal with just 246 calories, while Burger King ranks last with meals averaging 475 calories. A typical healthier meal for children usually includes milk, chicken nuggets, and a side of applesauce or fresh fruit.

Choose more fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean protein, and drink water instead of sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks. Cut back on fried foods, sweets, chips, and other junk food.

Berries Berries are a group of fruits that include strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and blackberries. The darker the berry's color pigment, the more nutritious it is. Berries contain high levels of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which may help prevent cancer risk. Berries are also brain foods.

Dark leafy greens are high in Vitamin B-12, B9 (also known asfolate) and other B-vitamins. B-vitamins get an “A+” when it comes to producing natural brain chemicals that positively affect mood and other brain functions. Common leafy greens that you can grow in your garden include kale and spinach.

What foods keep kids full? ›

Snacks with fiber or protein help kids feel full longer. Foods with these nutrients take more time to digest. Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein comes from beans, cheese, milk, meats, eggs, nuts, and nut butters.

Picky eaters will love our classic dishes like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and fish fingers. Or try introducing new flavours and textures with our easy curries, stir-fries and stews. Get your little ones their 5-a-day with our easy ideas to pack in more veggies, including hidden veg sauces and healthy recipes.

Children need a balanced diet with food from all 3 food groups—vegetables and fruit, whole grain products, and protein foods. Children need 3 meals a day and 1 to 3 snacks (morning, afternoon and possibly before bed). Healthy snacks are just as important as the food you serve at meals.

Breakfast provides key nutrients.

Children who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their overall nutritional needs. In fact, studies show that children who eat breakfast eat more fruit, drink more milk, and consume less saturated fat than those who don't eat breakfast.