Lowfat Meals For Kids

Parents can revise recipes to make kid's favorites lower in fat.

With the rise in childhood obesity and a general interest in health, many people are trying to find meals that are child-friendly but also low in fat. Not many children are content to entirely give up foods they have grown to love, so parents can adjust their kid's favorite meals to have a lower fat content while still tasting just as delicious as the original.

Chicken Fingers and Dip

Fried chicken fingers with a big bowl of dip and a side of French fries is one of the favorite meals of many children. To create a low-fat meal that kids will love, substitute the fries for sweet potatoes cut into wedges and baked. Food.com suggests making baked chicken fingers using boneless skinless chicken breasts, dipping them into buttermilk and then a mixture of bread crumbs, crushed corn flake cereal, garlic powder, and oregano. Bake them in the oven and serve with a side of low-fat dressing, or make your own out of greek yogurt for an even healthier choice.

Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

Most kids enjoy spaghetti and meatballs, but the meatballs must be transformed for this to be a low-fat meal. Substitute ground turkey breast for the beef in the meatballs, or find some pre-made turkey meatballs in the frozen food section of your grocery store. Use a whole grain spaghetti to bump up nutritional value in the meal, and include a nice green salad.

Don't Take Away Taco Night

Make tacos healthier with chicken and extra vegetables.

Tacos are a fun food for kids, and they can be changed to fit a low-fat diet. Use ground chicken breast instead of beef for the taco meat, and use whole-grain tortillas if possible. Add more lettuce and tomato in the tacos, and use low-fat cheese and sour cream sparingly. By adjusting the content of the tacos, taco night can still be a staple in a low-fat household.

Roast Pork and Mashed Cauliflower

Pork tenderloin is a low-fat meat option.

According to Pork and Health, a trimmed pork tenderloin has the same amount of fat as skinless chicken breast, so don't pass it by when looking for a delicious meal. Roast a pork tenderloin and glaze with something kids will enjoy, whether it be a honey-mustard sauce or a fruity apricot glaze. Cook up some cauliflower and mash with buttermilk and garlic, and kids will never miss the mashed potatoes. Add in another vegetable that kids enjoy, and you'll have an extremely low-fat meal that feels like an indulgence.

Grilled Fish

Many children will enjoy grilled fish and vegetables as a low-fat meal.

There's something about cooking food on the grill that just makes it taste better, but fat-laden hot dogs and hamburgers are not a healthy choice for kids on a low-fat diet. Try grilling some mild fish such as halibut or salmon for kids to try. In "Healthy Fish Recipes," Eating Well suggests topping the fish with a tomato salsa, or a orange-mustard glaze to give it a seasoning that children will enjoy. Complete the meal with some grilled seasonal vegetables and sweet potatoes.

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