Chefs

Chefs Get Behind Healthy Fare For Kids

The obvious problem for parents trying to feed their kids better is that bad food is so very easy and good food is… okay, we just figured out pink slime and today we have to worry about arsenic in chicken? Healthy Fare For Kids is a new organization which aims to get restaurants to increase the number of healthy options on their kids’ menus. As founder Diane Schmidt says, why does “the worst food in the restaurant always [end] up on the kids’ menu?” Chef Sarah Stegner signed on shortly after the group’s founding and so far she’s helped recruit 35 area restaurants to improve their kids’ menus, from Vie, Aria and North Pond to Franks ‘n Dawgs, City Provisions and Nookies. (You can keep track of the list as it grows here.) The group has also published a list of commonsense recommendations for improving how your kids eat, which are down to earth and attainable enough that you could actually remember them and put them into practice. (They’re also the guidelines the restaurants have to follow to be part of the program.)

The guidelines are:

1. Limit the bread at the table before the meal
Bread, muffins, crackers or other starchy items can quickly elevate blood sugar, increasing cravings and causing kids to overeat. Limit the amount of bread or substitute it for fresh vegetables and let kids’ hunger be satisfied with the main part of the meal.

2. Ensure some lean protein with the meal
Eating protein is an essential part of the diet and ensures that kids won’t feast on only starchy food. Consider a lean cut of meat or an entrée showcasing legumes: both are rich sources of protein. We highly encourage the use of lean proteins that are free of antibiotics and growth hormones.

3. Portion sizes: Keep it simple
Children consume almost twice as many calories when eating food made outside the home. Children’s stomachs are about the size of their fist, so smaller portions of good food will fill them up and leave them satisfied.

4. Use whole grain breads and pasta
Choose whole grains for part of your ingredients instead of highly refined products. Whole grains are packed with nutrients and fiber.

5. Use cooking methods that are lower in fat while still retaining flavors
Steer away from serving fried food that is high in fat, saturated fat and calories. As well, avoid all food using trans-fat or hydrogenated fats.

6. Prepare your dishes with great flavors while limiting salt
High sodium diets can cause a number of health challenges—even in children. Build your dish with flavor profiles that introduce children to the naturally delicious taste of healthy foods.

7. Keep it local and seasonal
Local produce is fresher, tastier and a great way to get kids engaged in learning about local and seasonal food. It’s great for the environment and kids love to be a part of being green.

8. Serve no-sugar beverages and small, if any, desserts
Have kids order flat or sparkling water flavored with vegetables or fruit, even with 100% juice. Or serve non-flavored milk with dinner. Soda and concentrated fruit juice are unwelcomed guests at the dinner table. Finally, end this healthy dining experience by retooling desserts. If you want to add dessert to the meal, continue the idea of small and seasonal.

Chefs Get Behind Healthy Fare For Kids