Serve Foods from Different Countries at the Table

By: Lucy Nelson, Guest Blogger 

We all get stuck in meal ruts making the same thing over and over again. Plus making healthy and interesting meals can be difficult. Try spicing things up and make dinner fun by cooking around the globe. What is on your Choosy plate?

Make passports with your kids: Give stamps for trying new foods or helping with preparation

Travel the World in your own Kitchen: Search far for home meals! Try food from other cultures to explore healthy options and get kids interested!

• South America - Beans and rice are a common staple food in South American countries. Super cheap, and it’s a complete protein, so you don’t need to add any meat. There are more kinds of rice than you think, and you can spice it up with lemon zest, peppercorns, and more. Shop around to find your favorite bean, add some stir fried veggies for some color, and enjoy!
• India - India is known for it’s bright flavors. Curry can add a new element to a basic chicken dish and adding cloves (don’t eating these!) or fruit such as raisins to rice can add a sweetness that your kids will enjoy. Take an onion, potato, and something green (zucchini, broccoli, etc.) to complete your meal. 
• Japan - Sushi is considered a fancy meal here, but in Japan it’s the equivalent of a sandwich. Try making your own! Sushi ingredient can be celery, carrots, cream cheese, tuna, avocado, and nori (seaweed). Fish doesn’t need to be raw (make sure you get fresh fish if you do leave it raw), and you can add your own untraditional twist. Vegetarian options with just veggies are great as well! Deconstructed sushi rolls are easy. Just throw in some rice, veggies, fish (or more veggies), and soy sauce. Pack it in a jar/container to take for later.

Healthy cooking hints!

• Try different methods of cooking vegetables: steaming, frying, baking
• When experimenting with spices, start small; two or three is fine. A little goes a long way.
• Rice: brown rice is high in fiber
• We all have heard of refried beans, but there are many healthy types of beans. Black beans, black-eyed peas, white beans, and kidney beans are all options.
• Haddock, cod, and catfish are cheaper mildly flavored fish that can be cooked and served with a rice dish.

Choosy loves to travel and try new foods. You never know when you might find something delicious! Where will you travel to with your dinner?

About the Author: Lucy was born in Western North Carolina. She is a current high school senior with plans for a four-year university. Engaged in a yoga teacher training program, Lucy has become concerned with mental, emotional, and physical health. She hopes to discover a career that involves these concerns.

Lucy became involved in Choosy Kids through a high school project and was inspired by the movement toward healthy living that Choosy encourages. She works with Choosy Kids by writing newsletters encouraging healthy eating and activities.