One challenge that is guaranteed to plague parents is how to prepare their kids plate to include all the major food groups in a delicious meal. Helping kids to understand why it is so important for them to eat all the food groups can help parents immensely.

If children are told the following, they may be more inclined to dig in:

• Dairy makes bones strong


• Meats make muscles grow


• Fruits and vegetables keep their entire body running happily


• Grains ensure that everything will come out the other end. Trust me, kids love hearing that sort of thing.

Letting your kids eat from a sectioned plate allows you to teach them about balance and proportions. Allow for the largest section to include fruits and vegetables, with the smaller sections on their plate for proteins, and grains.

Meals that are quick to make and include most of the major food groups are easier than one might think! Here are a few typical kid's plates transformed into balanced meals:

FAUX FRIED CHICKEN FINGERS
Ingredients
1 lb chicken fillets
2 cups Italian flavored bread crumbs
2 beaten eggs

Directions
1. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Spread the bread crumbs out on a plate
3. Whip the eggs in a small bowl
4. Dip one fillet at a time first in the egg and then in bread crumbs to fully coat chicken
5. Place on a greased baking pan
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until fully cooked
7. Serve with a steamed veggie or salad

QUICKIE LOADED BAKED POTATOES
Ingredients
cup olive oil or vegetable oil
1 baked potato per person
1 cup precooked chopped bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 stalk chopped green onions

Directions
Using hands, coat each baked potato in either olive oil or vegetable oil and place potatoes in glass cooking dish. Carefully stab several knife holes into the potatoes to allow ventilation. Microwave the potatoes on high for fifteen minutes. Cut a slit into the top of each potato and allow potatoes to cool slightly. Load on all the wonderful toppings and enjoy!

HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE
Ingredients

• 1 lb macaroni


• 2 3/4 cup cheese


• cup milk


• 2 cups brocolli

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit


2. Cook macaroni fully
   
3. Drain pasta and stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese, broccoli florets and milk. Cut the rest of the cheese into small chunks to make it melt faster.


4. Spread pasta/cheese mixture into a large baking pan


5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and throughout the pasta/cheese mixture


6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.