Seedlings Learning Academy Now Includes Healthy Meals and Snacks with Enrollment

As parents, we strive to give our children the best start in life, especially when it comes to their nutrition. At our daycare, we recognize how essential it is to serve meals and snacks that nourish young bodies while also appealing to their taste buds. We've been on a mission to discover exciting and healthy options that our kids love. Here are some of our top snack and meal ideas that are guaranteed to be a hit!

A vibrant fruit platter filled with strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi

The Importance of Healthy Eating for Kids

Healthy eating plays a significant role in children's growth, boosting energy levels, enhancing cognitive function, and fostering overall well-being. Research shows that children who eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables perform better academically and have lower risks of chronic diseases later in life. By offering a variety of nutritious meals and snacks, we help shape positive eating habits that our children will carry into adulthood.

At our daycare, we focus on meals that are not just nutritious but also enjoyable and many times customizable. Healthy food can be fun!

Our Favorite Snacks and Meals So Far

Veggie Dippers with Hummus/Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

A colorful mix of fresh vegetables served with hummus is one of our go-to snacks. Kids love to dip, and it’s an easy way to add more veggies to their diets. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, raw broccoli and bell pepper strips are our favorite choices.

Hummus is loaded with protein and fiber, which keeps kids full and satisfied between meals. In fact, a typical serving of hummus contains about 1.4 grams of protein and 1.5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, making it a smart choice for a snack.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are a favorite at our daycare, bc it is another meal that the kids can customize. Layering yogurt with fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries, along with a sprinkle of granola, and drizzle of honey not only creates a delicious snack but a colorful one too.

Friday Pizza Day: Whole Grain Mini Pizzas

Mini pizzas made with whole-grain English muffins are a fun and healthier twist on a classic meal. Kids can use tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and add toppings like spinach, mushrooms, olives or pepperonis.

Baked Chicken Tenders

These kids love some chicken tendies! We usually serve them once a week with different veggies and sides for variety.

Buttered Noodles and Meatballs

Buttered noodles are all-time favorite here. He use the bowties whcih are different than what they usually eat in terms of spaghetti or macaroni. The homestyle meatballs from Kroger are a staple in our household and have also become that for our ever growing daycare family.

A vibrant plate of bowtie pasta and meatballs with fresh vegetables and whole wheat bread

Wrapping Up

At our daycare, we are dedicated to serving nutritious meals and snacks that kids genuinely enjoy. Through our experimentation with various options, we've proven that healthy food can be both delicious and engaging.

From veggie dippers to meatballs, there are numerous ways to foster healthy eating habits in children. By making meals enjoyable and involving kids in the cooking process, we set the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of nutritious foods.

As we continue to explore exciting recipes and ideas, we look forward to sharing more favorites that are being added to our meal prep!