Breaking bad habits can be quite a challenge, but the same goes for building good habits! When kids see and experience positive habits from their parents or caregivers at their preschool in Potomac, MD, they’re more likely to hold on to them – particularly when it comes to food. Starting healthy eating habits early in your child’s life is really important!
Nutrition plays a vital role in promoting children’s health and development. It’s not just about preventing illness—it also supports an active and energetic childhood.
Kids are always growing and developing! Good nutrition provides essential building blocks—proteins, vitamins, and minerals—that support healthy growth and development. Childhood is an excellent time to start building healthy eating habits! Eating well can help keep problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease at bay as we get older.
A balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains offers important nutrients that can help boost a child’s immune system-lowering the chances of common infections and illnesses. Good nutrition plays a significant role in brain development. Nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and iodine play an important role in cognitive development and can boost learning and memory in children.
Young children often eat what is available at home, making it crucial to manage the foods you keep on hand for meals and snacks. Encourage kids to pick healthy snacks by having fruits and vegetables readily available and easy to grab. Some other tasty snack options are low-fat yogurt, peanut butter paired with celery, or whole-grain crackers with cheese.
Cut back on fast food and low-nutrient snacks like chips and candy. However, it’s best not to eliminate your favorite snacks from your home entirely. Instead, turn them into “once-in-a-while” foods, ensuring kids don’t feel deprived.
Parents can model healthy eating by serving appropriate portions and practicing mindful eating habits. Share your thoughts on feeling full, particularly for younger kids. “This is so tasty, but I’m feeling full, so I think I’ll stop eating now.” In the same way, when parents are constantly dieting or expressing dissatisfaction with their bodies, it can lead to their kids developing similar negative feelings. Let’s focus on having a cheerful outlook when it comes to food!
A lack of time often leads people to rely on drive-thrus, packaged foods, and less nutritious choices. Preparing dinner for yourself and your family can be an enjoyable experience without the stress or lengthy time commitment!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet. Add the chicken and season with all the spices. Cook until slightly golden brown. Then mix in the diced onion and bell peppers.
Cook, stirring regularly, for 4-5 minutes, until the bell peppers are somewhat softened. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the tomato sauce, cooking until it bubbles.
Remove from heat and stir in cooked brown rice or quinoa. Stir with a wooden spoon until the rice/quinoa is thoroughly coated with your sauce. Sprinkle with grated cheese, then top with pepperoni and chopped olives.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese on top is brown and the sauce is bubbling. Allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Slice the chicken tenders in half lengthwise to produce thin strips. Season the strips lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and oil and add the chicken pieces. Fill another bowl with the breading ingredients. Whisk together these ingredients thoroughly, then put the breading on a small, rimmed sheet pan.
Pull the chicken from your egg mixture one by one using a pair of tongs, and coat it with the breading, pressing down slightly to adhere. Set aside on a prepared sheet pan.
Air-fry your chicken fingers in small batches for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure there is space between the tenders in the air fryer to allow them to crisp evenly.
Preheat the oven to 375°. Combine the egg, ricotta cheese, and 1-1/4 cup Italian cheese blend in a bowl. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups and line each with a wonton wrapper. Fill each with 1 tablespoon of ricotta mixture and 1-1/2 tablespoons spaghetti sauce.
Top each with a second wrapper, twisting the corners and pressing down on the center. Repeat the ricotta and sauce layers. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese blend. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Cook pasta in a large pot according to the package directions. In a large, heavy skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook and stir the chicken until it is no longer pink, about 7-9 minutes. Remove from pan and season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook and toss the squash until cooked, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and garlic until combined, then gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil and stir for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and mix the cheese, remaining salt, and pepper.
Drain pasta and return to pot. Stir in the chicken, squash, and sauce; heat until thoroughly combined.
Even though we know how important it is, ensuring kids get the right nutrition can be tricky. Sometimes, our busy schedules, tight budgets, and food preferences mean that the most nutritious meals our kids eat come from their preschool in North Potomac, MD. Involving kids in meal planning, cooking together, and creating a routine for meals and snacks can really make a positive impact.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
