healthy meals for every season

Spring and summer bring light and sweet fare to the table while fall and winter invite rich indulgences. Taking in the seasonal cuisine in your area can be a joy, but as a mom, you’re likely concerned about ensuring your kids are still getting all the nutrients they need, too. How do you create meals that are delicious, seasonal and nutritious, too? Keeping your kids healthy and well-fed year round is easy when you integrate reliable staples into your family’s diet. No matter what the weather is, find certain foods that fill up and provide energy to sustain your kids. Finding such staples may be easier said than done, though. The foundation of any healthy diet, especially that of your kids, is food rich in vitamins and minerals. Keep this in mind as your search for food to fit the season.

• Take in Local Produce
  It has been established that locally grown produce is better for you than commercially produced alternatives. There are a number of factors that explain this, but perhaps the most important is the preservation of the foods’ nutrients. Fruits and vegetables that are farmed, processed and transported are not as fresh and therefore not as nutritious as local foods. There are likely fall farmer’s markets or summer fairs where you can pick up whatever is currently in season. This keeps your kids’ diets nutrient-rich and exposes them to the wonderful produce of the season.
• Makeover Seasonal Favorites
  If your family loves pot roast during chilly winter nights, or pasta salad on summer days, there’s no need to throw out the foods that have become tradition. Many people make the mistake of depriving kids of their favorites in the name of healthier eating when they can, instead, give those favorites a makeover. Simply replace the ingredients that account for the most calories, carbs or fat with a substitute that is more nutritious. You can replace a dressing base made of mayonnaise, for example, with one made of extra virgin olive oil. This way, kids don’t lose their favorites.
• Find Basics That Work Year Round
  Finding basic foods that go with everything is a great way to maintain a nutritional foundation in your kids’ diet. Soups are often full of nutrients, for example, and can be used as a base in almost any meal. Salads and whole grain breads are reliable no matter what time of year it is, too. Every season will have its own selection of variations, so it’s not hard to adapt your meals to integrate the right flavors. Staples like these are the ones that kids will derive nutrition from, so look for foods that offer plenty of vitamins and minerals.
• Supplement With Super Foods
  Superfoods are one of the best sources of nutrients for kids, and they are often easy to integrate into meals throughout the year. Bone marrow soup, for example, can be stewed into a hearty roast or served alongside light sandwiches. Companies such as Au Bon Broth have created soups that maximize the nutritional value of bone marrow and serve an impressive dose of nutrients. This is perfect for kids and entire families to add to meals. The abundance of vitamins and delicious taste of the broth make it a perfect addition to any meal and any season.
• Prioritize Your Diet
  Superfoods such as bone marrow soup offer the nutrients your kids need, and companies such as Au Bon Broth make it easy to integrate into any seasonal meal. No matter what the weather looks like, you can build a solid foundation of good food for kids that will keep them healthy and energized year round. The boost your kids get from a great diet make the effort worth it. Perhaps the greatest principle to maintaining a good diet, however, is making it a priority and committing to better eating. There’s no room for excuses when it comes to kids. So if the holidays tempt you with indulgences, and summer makes sweets look like a necessity, don’t compromise on your commitment to better eating. You can maintain a nutrient-rich diet for your kids and stay on track through conscious meals.

Changing seasons offer an opportunity to sample new flavors and mix up your kids’ palates, but it doesn’t need to be a challenge to your nutritional commitment.