How do you keep your kids interested in eating different foods? One thing I find that works is keeping them as finger foods. Picking up with fingers or skewers for older kids and offering healthy dips is a surefire way to get them to gobble up a variety of fruits, veggies and meats. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to broaden hopefully develop an enjoyment of flavorful and ethnic tastes. Don’t bombard them with everything new at the same time either. A new fruit on a skewer might entice them but a whole plate of green veggies could send them running. Keep it simple, keep it healthy and keep it fun.

Sparkling apple juice could really fancy up a little picnic on the carpet too.

1. A half of grilled shrimp with a chunk of mango on a toothpick (Or fork for toddlers)
2. A slice of roast turkey or lean roast beef wrapped burrito style around shredded cheese, greens, carrots and bell peppers with light ranch dressing for dipping
3. Fruit skewers of mango, honeydew, cantaloupe and pineapple with a dip of vanilla yogurt and brown sugar
4. Flower shaped whole wheat bread cutouts, toasted and topped with a blend of marinara and pureed roasted red peppers and sprinkled with parmesan cheese
5. Cracker rounds spread with peanut butter and a thinly slice of tart apple
6. Fruit pizza made with quartered toasted English muffins spread with light cream cheese and chopped strawberries and blueberries
7. Sliced cucumber with thinly sliced ham and a chunk of monterey jack cheese
8. Finger sandwiches of cream cheese and thinly sliced pear, roll out the bread to get a flat end result
9. Halved and hollowed cherry tomatoes filled with cottage cheese or tuna or chicken salad

Meal Planning does not have to be difficult; it actually should make your life easier. With a pen and paper and an awareness of what’s in your pantry and freezer you can quickly map out meals that your family will enjoy. Of course with the tips below you need to take into account your own family’s dietary restrictions, budget constraints and food preferences. My family eats a lot of chicken and turkey but very little red meat.

1. Take a look at what you have on hand. A stocked pantry is the fix to boring dinners. Broth, shaped pastas, beans of all kinds, sauces and marinades and side dishes should always available. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on shelf stable items when things are on sale, of course as long as you have the room.
2. Look through magazines, browse online recipe collections and open up those dusty cookbooks. Write down what sounds appetizing along with the sides and veggies. Write down each day of the week (or month in my case) you’ll need dinner and write the full meal for that day. If you know Tuesday night will be especially busy use your crock-pot. Friday is always Pizza Night at my house is that hardly changes. Throw some new recipes in there along with family favorites.
3. Make your shopping list. Check the panty and freezer look over your menu for the week but use what you have on hand first. Write down the special things you’ll need for the week like different cheeses, fresh produce or herbs or a certain cut of meat. This is where I would right down ground sirloin or seafood since we don’t normally stock them in the house.
4. Shop outside the box. Don’t be scared to go into the Asian market, wonton wrappers can be stuffed with ANYTHING. The ethnic aisle of your local grocery store can be a wealth of inspiration. Jarred simmer sauces can dress up simple chicken breasts and yummy spice blends can make burgers extra-special. Along with the added flavor these specialty products can offer they also boost the variety in your menu. This is a great way to get out of a dull eating rut.
5. Cook smart. Defrost a day ahead; I tend to forget to take things out in the morning so this works for me. Cook enough for 2 meals and freeze for another day. There is nothing wrong with having meals in the freezer.

I hope these few tips help even just a little bit. Use your imagination, make something special tonight.