The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends fruit and vegetables to make up half your plate. It is also recommended for children to have at least 1 cup of fruit per day. There is a large variety of fruits that are available for purchase and to enjoy! Besides being naturally sweet, fruits also contain many nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Fruits can give your child energy, aid digestion, and protect from chronic diseases in the future. However, the struggle may be getting your children to eat more fruit.
Try offering fruit in different forms to get them excited. Dried, frozen or fresh fruit and fruit juice all count towards fruit consumption for the day. Next time try one of these fruit dessert recipes to replace the ice-cream or cake after a meal or have it as a sweet snack.
Maple Grilled Peaches
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- Serves 4:
- Ingredients:
- 4 Peaches
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Crushed pecan or walnut (optional)
- Direction:
- Cut peaches into halves
- Grill peaches until golden brown and warmed through, about 4 minutes
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg and drizzle maple syrup
Adapted from: https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/cinnamon-maple-grilled-peaches.html
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
- Serves 5 popsicles
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups pureed strawberries (about 4 cups whole strawberries)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Directions:
- In a blender puree the strawberries with honey, Greek yogurt, and lemon
- Fill popsicle molds and freeze for at least 6 hours
Adapted from: https://www.jessicagavin.com/make-your-own-homemade-fruit-popsicles/
Banana Chocolate Ice Cream
- Serves 5
- Ingredients:
- 2 medium bananas (frozen)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Directions:
- Add the bananas, milk and cocoa powder to blender. Blend until smooth.
- Place mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop and serve
Adapted from: https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/banana-chocolate-ice-cream.html
What is your favorite way to eat fruit? Let us know in the comments.
