Written by: Elizabeth Hall, MS, RDN, LDN, Food City Registered Dietitian

While you are stuck at home, share your favorite food preparation and cooking tips with your kids or significant other. Sharing meals together is so important for physical and mental health and when kids are involved in the preparation process, they might be more likely to try new things! Here are some ideas for meals that everyone will enjoy and that you can prepare with the whole family.

1. Healthify Pizza Night

Pizza night is a great opportunity to combine a variety of food groups all in one dish. Plus, everyone can get involved by forming an assembly line or creating personal pan pizzas if you have picky eaters. There are a few ways to make pizza healthier as well without sacrificing taste: 

- Switch from regular crust to thin crust or make your own crust using whole wheat flour for extra fiber. 

- Add lots of chopped veggies as toppings or puree veggies in your pizza sauce to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

- Make your own low-sodium pizza sauce from canned tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.

2. Fridge or Freezer Cleanout Soup

When you have random amounts of different vegetables in your fridge or freezer, make a soup! The whole family can get involved by washing or chopping ingredients. Start by sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic in olive oil. Add extra vegetables and a broth of choice and simmer until the vegetables are done enough but not mushy. Add other seasonings like a little salt, pepper, herbs, and spices as you go. When the veggies are cooked, add leftover proteins you have on hand like chicken or beans. You’ve used your whole family’s creativity and made a delicious soup while avoiding food waste. 

3. Breakfast Overnight Oats

Get your kids excited about eating the most important meal of the day: breakfast! Combine oats, water (or milk), fruit, nuts, and maybe a little yogurt in a jar the night before. Each person in your family can create their own concoction depending on their preferences. Eat cold or heat up each jar in the microwave when ready to enjoy.